THE‘Italy, we know, is an open-air museum, but its masterpieces are not only made of marble or canvas. Many breathe, bloom and change color with the seasons. With the arrival of spring 2026, the prestigious guide Great Italian gardens celebrates its twenty-eighth year of activity presenting five new entries that enrich an already extraordinary itinerary. But this year’s edition is not just a catalog of rare plants.
Great Italian gardens, five new treasures to discover in 2026
Founded in 1997, this cultural network enhances the national botanical and architectural heritage, bringing to light corners of paradise often hidden in small rural towns. And, in fact, entry into this circuit is not for everyone: requires a perfect balance between historical preservation, care of the landscape and the ability to offer a profound cultural experience. Furthermore, in 2026 there is something new: the attention paid to hospitalitywith a section entirely dedicated to hospitality that allows you to stay among tree-lined avenues and historic homes.
Art among the rows in Franciacorta
The first new entry is located in Erbusco, in the heart of Franciacorta, in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy: it is the Ca’ del Bosco estate which demonstrates how agriculture can become an art form. Here the vineyards not only produce wine, but are home to monumental sculptures. Walking through the vineyards you come across it in the famous Solar Gate by Arnaldo Pomodoro And in the mythological figures of Igor Mitorajcreating an evocative dialogue between the hand of man and nature.
In Limone sul Garda, the Limonaia del Castèl is a new entry. (Getty Images)
The scent of citrus fruits on Garda
In Limone sul Garda, a village of rare beauty located on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda, in Lombardy, there is the Limonaia del Castèl which represents a piece of history of agricultural architecture. These terraced complexes, once fundamental to local economic survival, today they are vertical gardens of rare beauty that overlook the waters of the lake.
The enchantment of the Val d’Orcia
Tuscany confirms itself as a protagonist with Castiglion del Bosco in Montalcino. In this context, the garden has no clear boundaries: the property blends harmoniously with the landscape of the valley, a world heritage site, where respect for the rural heritage and botanical care create an atmosphere of absolute peace.
Another new addition to the Guide in 2026 is Castiglio del Bosco in Montalcino (Instagram photo)
Hilly elegance in the Marche
It is located in Treia, a splendid historic village located in the Marche region, in the heart of the province of Macerata Villa La Quietea home that embodies the spirit of country nobility. Its historic park, characterized by centuries-old trees, offers a perfect example of how Italian gardens have been able to interpret the concept of “place of delight”offering shade and refreshment to visitors.
Sicily takes the lead with the Trevelyan Park in Taormina, also known as Villa Comunale (Photo official website)
A flowery balcony overlooking the Mediterranean, in Taormina
Sicily enters the lead with the Trevelyan Park in Taormina, also known as Villa Comunale. Created in the 19th century by an English noblewoman, the garden is an eclectic mix of exotic plants and bizarre ornamental structures, all with breathtaking sea views that make it one of the most photographed spots on the island.
The guide to the Great Italian Gardens: a union between contemporary art and nature
There Guide Great Italian gardens 2026 puts the emphasis on modernity and how today’s art can live in greenery. This underlines the increasingly marked trend of large Italian gardens to host permanent exhibitions and installationstransforming into an art gallery without walls. The visiting experience is also supported by a strong technological renewal. The official website of the network has been transformed into an intuitive platform where it is possible to plan every detail: from purchasing tickets to avoid queues, to monitoring the blooms. A service that has proven to be particularly appreciated by enthusiasts who wish to visit the gardens at the exact moment in which azaleas, roses or camellias reach their maximum splendor.
Sleeping in beauty: the new frontier of hospitality
But the real revolution of the 2026 edition, it is the possibility of transforming a simple walk into an extended stay. Many of the properties in the network have in fact opened the doors of their historic homes, offering high-level rooms and services. And, choosing to sleep in a “Great Garden” means completely immersing yourself in silence and history. It’s an opportunity to experience these places when the gates close to the public, enjoying the sunset among the professionally pruned hedges or waking up to the scent of dew on aromatic herbs.
