Ninfa is a real oasis of peace on the border between Norma and Sermoneta
Il New York Times celebrates the beauty of this splendid nature reserve, which is an hour and a half from Rome. Let's talk about the Garden of Ninfa.
Ninfa: fairytale atmospheres in the most romantic garden
It often happens that foreigners, more than us Italians, appreciate the treasures of the Peninsula. This is the case of the Garden of Ninfa, a splendid nature reserve just an hour and a half away from Rome.
Developed in 1921 on the initiative of the noble Gelasio Caetani around the ruins of the medieval town of the same name, according to the American newspaper New York Times it is the most romantic garden in Italy and one of the ten most beautiful in the world.
Declared a Natural Monument by the Lazio Region, it is located in the province of Latina, on the border between Norma and Sermoneta, two ancient towns rich in history not to be missed.
The Oasis of Ninfa can be visited from May to November with pre-established openings bookable on website
Ninfa: an English garden that hosts 1300 botanical species
The Oasis of Ninfa unlike the Italian gardens develops freely, almost without criteria, so as to seem wild. But in reality it is only an apparent disorder. The reserve, belonging to the Caetani Foundation, is cared for in every corner. It is home to 1.300 botanical species, among which Japanese maples, different varieties of magnolia, birch, iris and even a dense thicket of tall reeds stand out. The latter contains a fountain whose waters also have beneficial properties.
The habitat feeds on the waters of the Ninfa river. Get lost among avenues, streams, pagodas, temples, centuries-old trees. And among the ruins of the churches, from Santa Maria Maggiore to San Biagio, from San Salvatore to San Pietro fuori le mura. This set creates a fairytale atmosphere that never leaves you indifferent.
Folklore at the Caetani Castle
One step away from Ninfa is there Sermoneta, a city rich in history whose symbol is the Caetani Castle, from the name of the family that has dominated in these parts for years. Built in the XNUMXth century, it is located in the highest part of the city and can be visited.
Very popular all year round, from 3 to 6 August, Sermoneta hosts the Folklore Festival, a free flag-waving event that winds through the squares of the historic center and culminates with the closing evening inside the manor.
From Ninfa to the sea: a bewitched profile
If you want to go to the sea from Ninfa, one of the places to see is the Circeo promontory, about fifty km away.
Legend has it that Circe was hiding among the caverns and that the profile of the mountain recalls that of the sorceress. The fact is that the Circeo coast is one of the most popular seaside destinations for the Romans.
There is no shortage of restaurants where you can enjoy excellent fish and other local specialties, first of all buffalo mozzarella.
