Giardini La Mortella is a botanical garden on a hillside above the bay in Forio, on the island of Ischia. Russell Page designed it in the 1950s for the English composer Sir William Walton and his wife Susana. It was laid out in an old stone quarry, so paths drop into a shaded, damp valley and climb to a sunnier hill planted with Mediterranean species. Expect rare orchids, water plants, ponds, sculptures and views over the coast. Allow two to three hours to walk it at an unhurried pace.
How the garden came to be
The English composer William Walton bought the land in 1949 after falling for the place. Russell Page, a landscape architect, shaped the garden with Susana Walton, who collected plants from many parts of the world.
The site was an old stone quarry in a wide, bowl-shaped valley overlooking the Bay of San Francesco. The garden was built into that hollow, and the views toward Monte Epomeo and Forio are part of its setting. It opened to the public in the early 1990s and is now run by the William Walton Foundation, which follows the guidelines set by its creator.
Inside the garden
The lower part, known as the Valley, has a wet, shaded microclimate with tall trees, fountains and ponds. The upper part, the Hill, is sunnier and planted with Mediterranean species. From its paths you can see the coast.
Several smaller buildings hold tropical plants. A glasshouse near the entrance shelters the world's largest water lily, and the ponds have large lotus flowers. Rare trees, including the Ginkgo biloba, are among the collection. The paths are clearly marked, so you can follow a route without a map.
The Walton museum and concerts
Part of the villa holds a small museum dedicated to William Walton. It has relics, a photo gallery of the composer and his circle, and a documentary on his life, shown on a rolling basis.
Classical music and jazz concerts are held in the gardens from April to November. The garden has an outdoor amphitheatre, and concert tickets include garden admission.
The cafe, shop and facilities
The cafe sits on the hillside among the foliage and serves simple snacks, cakes, and hot or cold drinks at fair prices. A terraced tearoom stands above the glasshouse, in the upper part of the garden.
A boutique shop sells art and craft pieces made by island artisans. Restrooms are available, and the entrance, restroom, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The garden also offers discounts for children.
Getting there
The top entrance is reached by a car park with a ticket office, and it is the closer entrance for many visitors staying in the west of the island. A bus stop is about a 10 to 15 minute walk away.
The Zaro trail runs through woodland to the gardens, and the walk from Forio is a pleasant one.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Buying tickets in advance is recommended. Concert tickets include garden admission.
Is La Mortella accessible for wheelchairs?
The entrance, restroom, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and a ramp route covers most of the garden. Many areas have steps, though.
How long do you need to visit?
Most visitors plan two to three hours to see the garden at an unhurried pace.
Are there concerts at La Mortella?
Yes. Classical music and jazz concerts run from April to November, and concert tickets include garden admission.
Is there a cafe in the garden?
Yes. The cafe on the hillside serves simple snacks, cakes, and hot or cold drinks at fair prices.
