This is a garden of times gone by named Pojega within the grounds of Villa Rizzardi, in Negrar di Valpolicella, in the Verona region. Indeed, time seems to have stood still from the year 1783, when Count Antonio Rizzardi designed the grounds of his villa, immersed in the Verona countryside against the backdrop of the Lessini mountains. The Gardens of Pojega cover an area of 5,4 hectares on three parallel levels.

They represent the last examples of the Italian garden, produced at the time when the fashion in gardens was starting to move towards a more English romantic style.

A small temple with statues from Greek mythology is enclosed among Cypress, Laurel and Hornbeam trees. More beautiful views can be had in the citrus garden and the fountain circle.

There is also the spectacular "Teatro di verzura" theatre, just waiting to be discovered. This very special theatre is one of the examples of the largest in Italy, with seven tiers of terraced Box and Cypress trees and a sequence of alcoves, carved into Hornbeam, to house the statues of various mythological characters dedicated to theatrical drama and tragedies. A Greek-inspired theatre in all the senses, which still today, during the summer, is venue to plays and entertainment.

The gardens are open to the public from 1st April to 31st October every Thursday and Saturday from 3 pm to 7 pm.