Ninfa: the medieval ruins

'The past is ever present at Ninfa and the medieval walls still

 define the character of the gardens.'

 Charles Quest-Ritson, writer.                                                                                  

Ninfa was sacked by mercenaries in 1381 and the aristocratic Caetani family retreated to the hilltop town which overlooks it.  It was never restored and the ruined buildings were left to crumble and become covered in brambles and ivy until the 1920s.  Prince Gelasio Caetani was inspired to clear the land, survey and make good the remains of the buildings and begin the structural process of creating a garden among the ruins.  Later generations continued with its development in what is a unique and beautiful setting.                                                                  

the ruins of the church of San Biagio surrounded by banana trees

                                                                          

San Biagio ruins and the lavender walk

                                                               

                                                               Santa Maria Maggiore (fresco)                                                                   

The Palace and Caetani tower

The wavy carving on the entrance to the lake represents the Caetani coat of arms whilst the eagle represents the Dell'Aquila family whose families became united through marriage.

Gelasio's summerhouse.Many writers and artists have visited Ninfa and have used the summer house as a place of creativity.

The roses of Ninfa Torrecchio Vecchia

The gardens at Ninfa are set in the ruins of a medieval town south of Rome. Wandering through them one feels far away from the busyness of modern life.  Time seems to stand still. The rich variety of plants that can be grown in the gardens is possible because of the role of the water supply of the river and lake on the estate. From these sources water channels and streams flow through the shady gardens to create Ninfa's spacious, natural style of design and planting. In Springtime there are flowering trees and in Summer roses cascade over ruined stone walls and towers.