Where: Piazza Garibaldi, 21 | Colorno (Parma)
Website: http://reggiadicolorno.it
Free admission to the garden. Admission to the Palace with a fee.

The Ducal Palace of Colorno – also known as the ‘Versailles of Parma’ – could be described as a fascinating mix of history and style. The signs of past projects, dynasties and change it underwent over the centuries are all over its walls.

After a big work of renovation towards the 1990s it was brought back to its original state,  including the French-style garden and the big 18th century Romantic garden at its back. This place, hidden in the heart of Emilia Romagna, is absolutely worth a visit.

Where: Strada Masone, 121 | Fontanellato (Parma)
Website: www.labirintodifrancomariaricci.it
Admission with a fee

This amazing star-shaped garden is adorned with over 200 thousands  bamboo plants of 20 different species. It is the biggest labyrinth in the whole world, made up of plants from 30cm up to 15m tall.

The creator and designer Franco Maria Ricci spent almost 10 years to make his vision come to life, and today it is accessible to the public with a 3-km long trail where visitors can get lost and find themselves thanks to the power of nature and art.

Where: Via Giardini Nord, 10250 | Montagnana di Serramazzoni (Modena)
Website: www.museoroseantiche.it
Admission with a fee

Among the hills of Modena, where once pasture lands once grew, now stands one of the greatest collections in the world of ancient roses. We are talking of about 800 different species of roses that, thanks to guided tours and sensorial trails, can be admired and appreciated by all.

Where: Via Ca’ Masino, 611/A | Castel San Pietro Terme (BO)
Website: www.palazzodivarignana.com
Admission with a fee, mandatory booking

It is a 3-hectare wide surface where countryside and nature blend harmoniously together with the beauty of the resort of Palazzo di Varignana. Embraced by the beautiful landscape of the Emilian hills, this extraordinary project of redevelopment designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi creates a perfect fusion of botanic, agronomic and architectonic knowledge.

Where: CLAI – Via Sasso Morelli, 40 | Imola (Bologna)
Website: www.clai.it
Free admission, mandatory booking

Deep in nature, in the countryside of Imola, you can find the beautiful green oasis of Villa La Babina. It is one of the typical stately homes of the 19th century that once dotted the entire plain surrounding Bologna. The entire structure blends perfectly in the rural landscape and it is composed of wide lawns from which big monumental trees stand out.

The owner of this villa and of the CLAI worked very hard to recover this building and make it accessible to guided tours, displaying even a space for shows and events.

Where: Via Montericco, 10 | Imola (Bologna)
Website: www.pasolinidallonda.com
Admission with a fee. Mandatory booking

The Pasolini Dall’Onda have been the owners of this villa immersed in the fields and orchards of the Imolese countryside for centuries. Originally, it consisted only of a defensive tower of the 15th century, but it developed over time becoming a magnificent stately home with gardens, woods inhabited by deers and pheasants and an agricultural estate dedicated to the production of exquisite wines.

Where: Via XX Settembre, 81 | Tredozio (Folì/Cesena)
Website: www.palazzofantini.net
Admission with a fee, mandatory booking

On the border between Romagna and Tuscany, the stately home in late Roman Baroque-style of Palazzo Fantini guards a very neat garden with characteristics of the 19th century and of the Romantic style.

If you cross its gates, you will immediately enter a big park in an all-Italian style enriched with flowerbeds, topiary, rose gardens and edgings with ancient flowers. Colours and scents add charm and delight to this wonderful location, which is the ideal place for events, exhibitions, as well as for a break from the rush of life.