Giardino Giusti is the most peaceful corner of old Verona and one of the finest Renaissance gardens in northern Italy. It was laid out in the 1570s behind the Giusti palace in the Veronetta district on the east bank of the Adige, and its design has changed little since. A double avenue of tall cypresses leads you past statues and fountains to a box-hedge labyrinth, then to a stone grotesque mask above a cave entrance where carved faces gape at visitors. A flight of steps climbs the hillside to a terrace where the whole city opens out in front of you, with Lamberti Tower, domes and rooftops laid out beneath. Travellers from Goethe to Mozart came to see it, and the quiet and the greenery make it the ideal break from the crowds of Piazza delle Erbe. In spring and early summer the garden is in full leaf, while in autumn the colours are rich and soft.
How it works
The garden is private but open to visitors on a ticket, with an entrance on Via Giardino Giusti, a ten-minute walk from Ponte Pietra and the Roman Theatre. Check opening hours before you go, as they vary by season. The visit is self-guided.
What to see
Start at the formal lower garden with its lines of box and cypress, find the labyrinth, then go to the grotto with its mask, which is the photograph everyone takes. Save your energy for the climb to the upper terrace. The steps are uneven and can be slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes. The view back over the city is the reward and is especially beautiful in the afternoon light.
Who it suits
Couples, photographers, garden lovers and anyone who wants a quiet hour. Children enjoy the labyrinth and the climb, although the garden has little for very small children beyond the paths. It combines naturally with the Roman Theatre and Castel San Pietro on the same side of the river.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll through a formal Renaissance garden, from the cypress avenue and labyrinth to the grotto and the hilltop terrace.
Best time
Spring and early autumn, or a weekday morning when it is quietest; afternoon light is best for the view.
How long
About an hour, including the climb to the upper terrace.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip for the steps, check the seasonal opening hours and combine it with Ponte Pietra and the Roman Theatre.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, garden lovers and photographers looking for a calm hour away from the busy squares.
- Families
- Children enjoy the labyrinth and the steps, but there is little else for very young ones, so keep the visit short.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic places in Verona, with quiet paths and a view over the rooftops from the top terrace.
- Pair with
- The Roman Theatre and Castel San Pietro, which are a short walk away across Ponte Pietra.
- Time needed
- About one hour, or ninety minutes if you linger on the terrace.
Good questions
Where is Giardino Giusti?+
It is in the Veronetta district on the east bank of the Adige, a short walk from Ponte Pietra and the Roman Theatre.
When was the garden created?+
It was laid out in the sixteenth century, in the 1570s, and its Renaissance layout has been preserved ever since.
What is the highlight?+
Most visitors remember the avenue of cypresses, the labyrinth, the grotesque mask over the grotto and the view from the upper terrace.
Is it open all year?+
Opening hours vary by season, so check before your visit. The garden looks different in each season, from spring green to autumn colour.
How long does a visit take?+
About an hour is enough for most people, a little longer if you want to sit and enjoy the view from the top.
