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Owned by the municipality of Varese since 1882, Giardini Estensi is a public park in the centre of the city. They include Palazzo Estense, which today houses the town hall.

Built by architect Bianchi in 1766, it was the summer-autumn residence and court of Francesco III d’Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio and feudal lord of Varese; inside, there is the exquisite “Estense” Hall, with a large polychrome marble fireplace.
The spacious and well-kept gardens located behind the palace are among the most enchanting Italian public parks and were inspired by the Schônbrunn gardens in Vienna and completed in 1787.
In 1837, the property was acquired by Carlo Pellegrini Robbioni, who redesigned part of the park according to the English landscape style. In the mid-twentieth century, the gardens were annexed to the park of the neighbouring Villa Mirabella.

Still visible today are some elements dating back to the XVIII century, like the large French parterre – with lawns and hedges of bulbous and annual plants – the spacious avenues adorned with flowers, the hedges and topiary shapes, the large circular pool at the end of the large central avenue, the two wonderful lines of hornbeams connecting the lower part of the park with the belvedere, on top of the hill. There is also the beautiful nymphaeum -with three niches carved into concretions and statues – as well as a hunting blind among chestnuts, elms and oaks, to the west: created to satisfy one of the duke’s great passions.

The panoramic tower, which replaced an open-air theatre, dates back to the XIX century, along with bending boulevards and the swan pond.

The park of Villa Mirabello is also a XIX century creation in which majestic trees grow, including camellias, magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora), holm oaks (Quercus ilex) and several conifers, such as thujas and a large Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani).

During the summer, concerts and other cultural activities are usually organized in the Este Gardens.

A panoramic train goes through the park, eventually reaching the belvedere.

Dogs on a leash are allowed; alternatively, they can roam free in the reserved areas.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)