Genoa's Villa Durazzo Pallavicini has been given the 'Il Parco più Bello Award' for the 'Most Beautiful Public Park in Italy', topping the list of over 1,000 parks in Italy.

Located in the neighborhood of Pegli, around half an hour to the west of Genoa's city centre, Villa Durazzo Pallavicini is a beautiful 19th century park that was renovated by the Municipality of Genoa and reopened in autumn 2016.

Built by the set designer of Genoa's opera house, the Teatro Carlo Felice, the romantic-style park is split into four fairy tale inspired theatrical 'acts', which are further divided by 'scenes' that guests can walk through.

Villa Durazzo Pallavicini was built between 1840 and 1846 at the request of Italian nobleman Marquis Ignazio Alessandro Pallavicini and is an example of an Italian romantic-style garden. The park offers panoramic views from Portofino's mountain to Capo Noli and the four 'acts' of the eight-hectare garden takes guests past lakes, streams, waterfalls, rare plants and ancient structures.

Elisa Serafini, Culture and Territorial Marketing Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Genoa, said: “This award reminds us that Genoa is rich of hidden treasures in every neighbourhood, from east to west. It's a great honour that the Villa Durazzo Pallavicini has been recognised as the most beautiful park in Italy and we hope it will encourage more people to visit the park and the city of Genoa.”  

Entry to the park costs €10 for adults; while children aged 0-6 can enter for free. Guided tours are available from €22 on Saturday's at 3pm and Sunday's at 10am. It can be reached by train or bus from the city centre.  (www.villadurazzopallavicini.com/english)

About the 'Il Parco più Bello Award'

'Il Parco più bello Award' is a Italian contest created in 2003 by architect and entrepreneur Leandro Mastria to promote the environmental and botanical heritage of parks in Italy. The selection for the 'Il Parco più Bello Award' is based on the historical and botanical value of the park, as well preservation conditions, management, accessibility and services.

It has the patronage of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism and of the Environment Italian Ministries, UNESCO, the FAI – (Italian Environmental Fund), ACI - Automobile Club Italia, and AIAPP (Italian Association of Landscape Gardening) (www.ilparcopiubello.it)

Return flights from London Gatwick to Genoa with British Airways are available from £107 (www.ba.com)

For more information on visiting Genoa, please visit www.visitgenoa.it.

-Ends-

For press enquiries contact Jules Ugo or Tim Thackray at Lotus on jules@wearelotus.co.uk / tim@wearelotus.co.uk / 0207 953 7470