Situated on the northern tip of the peninsula of Orta San Giulio, overlooking the lake, the villa, built in the mid-19th century by the noble Gallini family, was purchased in 1921 by Giacinto Motta, professor at the Politecnico di Milano, one of the founders of the Italian electrical industry, managing director of the Edison Company. In the 1920-30s, the villa was enlarged with eclectic taste by the Architect Mazzuccottelli, who also redesigned the garden landscape.
The garden, which stretches along the lake and on the hillside around the villa, consists of groves of camellias, osmanthus and rhododendrons, with conifers (Thuja and Chamacyparis) acting as a backdrop. The garden is always in bloom, alternating between osmanthus, winter camellias, spring camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, roses and hydrangeas. Unique is the flowering of the 80 sasanqua camellias in October and November; spectacular is the flowering of the 250 century-old Satsuki azaleas in the last week of April; remarkable is the hedge along the lake of ancient sarmentose roses (May-June). Notable plants include a 100-year-old Thuja plicata, the approximately 15-metre arboreal rhododendron, and the camellia collection (250 varieties). For its botanical value, since 2020 the park is recognized by the International Camellia Society as “International Camellia Garden of Excellence”.
By reservation only.
