The gardens of Genoa: 5 places to revel in nature in Genoa’s glorious outdoors

Often described as one of the most extraordinary Romantic gardens in Europe, the gardens of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini in Pegli are less a park, and more a dramatic experience. Created between 1840 and 1846 for Marquis Ignazio Pallavicini by Michele Canzio, the set designer of the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house, the garden was designed as a scenic-theatrical route in three acts, immersing visitors in art, nature and spirituality. You follow a carefully choreographed path that unfolds like a stage set, passing lakes, grottoes, bridges and temples, each scene revealing itself dramatically. Highlights include an Egyptian obelisk, a Chinese pagoda, a Gothic chapel and a spectacular lake crowned by the Temple of Diana. Exotic plants sit alongside native species, carefully arranged to heighten the sense of fantasy. Located in Pegli, west of central Genoa, the park is easily reached by train or bus, and is serene, immersive and utterly transportive.

This little corner of England in northern Italy lies in Sant’Olcese, just inland from Genoa. Its 19^th century, Tudor-style mansion is set in parkland where glades and lakes alternate with small forests of trees, and Mediterranean traditions blend with exotic elements. Created in the mid-19th century for the aristocratic Serra family, the estate feels wonderfully removed from the city, despite its proximity. Spanning around 50 hectares, the park features rolling lawns, lakes, waterfalls and winding paths framed by centuries-old trees and rare botanical species; recently, a unique collection of hydrangeas was also established here, featuring over 1,300 plants and over 170 varieties. Rather than formal symmetry, the design embraces natural contours and romantic vistas, and the villa itself, perched above the grounds, adds a stately backdrop to the scenery. Today, Villa Serra is a public park – part of the Parchi dei Nervi – and a popular weekend retreat for locals, offering ample space for strolling or relaxing.

Overlooking the sea from the Carignano district, Villa Croce combines noble history with contemporary culture. Built in the 18th century for the Croce family, the neoclassical villa now houses Genoa’s Museum of Contemporary Art, which includes over 4,000 works. Its terraced gardens offer one of the city’s most elegant outdoor spaces, and are compact but refined, with geometric paths, manicured lawns and Mediterranean planting. Sculptures and art installations often appear among the greenery, creating a subtle dialogue between past and present, and from the elevated terraces, you can enjoy wide, panoramic views over the port and the Ligurian coastline. Easily reached from the historic centre, Villa Croce is ideal for a cultured day trip: art inside, and relaxation outside, where the expansive lawns and benches are perfect for a laid-back picnic, and a children’s playground keeps little ones occupied.

Designed to impress, Villa Imperiale Scassi is one of Genoa’s grandest Renaissance villas, built in the 16th century for Vincenzo Imperiale, a powerful nobleman and banker. It became known as La Bellezza, or ‘The Beauty’, thanks in part to its majestic gardens, which unfold over a hill, and are embellished with an impressive fountain of Neptune, numerous terraces and lush vegetation. Located in Sampierdarena, west of the city centre, the gardens reflect Renaissance ideals of order and harmony, with formal terraces, axial pathways and views aligned toward the sea. Although parts of the estate have evolved over time, the grandeur of its layout remains evident. Frescoes and architectural details hint at the wealth and ambition of Genoa’s ruling families during its golden age. Because the villa is now a public building – the city’s third-biggest hospital – its gardens are visited less than others in Nervi, making it the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon.

One of Genoa’s largest and most atmospheric historic parks, Villa Duchessa di Galliera lies in Voltri, at the city’s western edge, and feels like a countryside estate. The villa and grounds were gifted to the city in the late 19th century by Maria Brignole Sale, Duchess of Gallieri – one of Genoa’s most influential aristocratic benefactors – whose family had it constructed in the late 1600s. The grounds blend formal Italian terraces with a sweeping English-style landscape garden, complete with woodland paths, meadows, water features and panoramic viewpoints. Centuries-old trees, rare plant species and seasonal wildflowers give it a quietly romantic feel, while the scale invites long, unhurried walks. Various structures are dotted along the paths to the villa, including grottoes, ornamental water features, and the Latteria, or creamery. A grassy plain at the top of the hill hosts a spacious paddock which is home to fallow deer, one of the park’s main attractions.