In Galzignano Terme, province of Padua, you will find one of the most impressive period gardens in Europe: the historical Valsanzibio Gardens. Located amongst the gentle slopes of the Euganean Hills, this splendid park was built in the 17th century by the Barbarigo family and surrounds the Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani. 

Here, art and human ingenuity are skilfully mixed with the beauty of nature: Baroque Istrian stone statues, smaller sculptures and impressive architectural works stand alongside ponds, waterfalls and fountains with torrents of waves and jets of water. As you explore the garden, you will find dozens of tree varieties: yews, white magnolias and redwoods imported directly from the “New World” centuries ago, as well as conifers, cedars and box hedges that can grow up to six meters in height. If this height does not surprise you, you should be aware that, in order to reach its current tree-like height, the box hedge had to be planted three hundred years ago.

Later, you will discover that the garden was originally designed as a symbolic path, a journey of redemption reminiscent of the Dantesque Comedy: from Diana's portal you will reach the staircase of the sonnet via a path that leads man from error to the truth. You can challenge your orientation skills and overcome the many obstacles that you will encounter in the centenary maze, one of the oldest and best preserved mazes in the world. Once you have successfully navigated the seven dead ends (numbered to match the seven deadly sins), you will reach the top of a tower, from which you will get a clearer view of the paths (and, symbolically, your life).