The famed gardens of La Mortella reopen.

La Mortella on the Italian island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples, reopens to garden-lovers from 1 April until 5 November 2023.

An oasis of tropical and Mediterranean plants, the gardens were created in 1958 by Lady Susana Walton, the wife of English composer Sir William Walton.

La Mortella is divided into two areas: the valley garden and the hill garden.

The valley, designed by celebrated English landscape architect Russell Page, is shady, luxuriant and tropical whilst the hill, designed by Lady Walton, is sunny and Mediterranean.

The garden design takes advantage of the sea views and is enriched by fountains.

La Mortella is also known for organising open-air concerts of classical music in its Greek Theatre which overlooks the sea.

• The myth of San Michele on the Isle of Capri

The gardens can be visited on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 09.00-19.00, with last entry at 18.00.

For full visiting information, including tickets, tel. 081986220 or see La Mortella website. 

Cover photo: Mazerath / Shutterstock.com