Villa Marigola, Lerici
Gardens and Historic Building in Lerici
Nestled between Lerici and San Terenzo on a promontory, Villa Marigola stands as a testament to historical and architectural grandeur. This exceptional mansion is encompassed by one of the rare Italian-style gardens that overlook the sea. Since its construction in the 18th century, its exquisite park and panoramic location have ignited the creativity of poets and writers, including Lord Byron, John Keats, Attilio Bertolucci, D.H. Lawrence, Sam Benelli, and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Originally, it served as the summer retreat of the Marquise Ollandini, until the 19th century when English banker Sir Reginald Pearse acquired it. The Englishman proceeded to enhance both the interior and exterior spaces. Subsequently, shipowner Gio Batta Bibolini purchased the villa and enlisted architect Franco Oliva to renovate it along with the park. Between 1926 and 1949, a significant project was undertaken resulting in the present-day layout of Villa Marigola. Among the most remarkable changes executed by Oliva are the captivating gardens. Notably, a link between the evergreen forest behind the villa and the Italian parterre overlooking Lerici Castle was established. The latter features meticulously crafted boxwood and stachys borders, framed by cypresses and magnificent grandiflora magnolia trees. Oliva also maintained the “Bocklin,” a small artificial grotto that greets visitors at the garden entrance.
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Visiting Villa Marigola, Lerici
Nearby Attractions
- Tower and Oratory of San Rocco, Lerici (1.2) km
Church in Lerici - Lerici Castle (1.2) km
Castle in Lerici - Roman villa of Varignano (5.5) km
Roman Site in La Spezia - Thaon di Revel Bridge (6.5) km
Bridge in La Spezia - Porta del Borgo, Porto Venere (6.5) km
City Gate in La Spezia - Porto Venere Regional Natural Park (6.6) km
National Park in La Spezia - Palazzata a Mare, Portovenere (6.7) km
Notable Building in Portovenere - Castello Doria (6.7) km
Castle in La Spezia - Lord Byron's Grotto (6.8) km
Cave in Portovenere - Church of San Pietro (Porto Venere) (6.9) km
Church in La Spezia