Giusti Garden (Giardino Giusti) is a Renaissance garden in Verona, just across the Adige from the historic centre. Behind the Giusti family’s palazzo, its formal lower garden is arranged around clipped hedges, gravel paths, fountains, statues and a small labyrinth.
Created by the Giusti family in the late 16th century, the garden became a celebrated stop on the European Grand Tour. Goethe wrote about its cypresses in his Italian Journey, and its classical statues and carefully ordered planting still offer a vivid glimpse of Renaissance taste.
The pleasure of a visit lies in the contrast between the symmetrical garden below and the wooded hillside above. Follow the winding paths uphill to the belvedere for views over Verona’s terracotta rooftops and bell towers, then look out for the grotesque stone mask set into the slope. Allow an hour or two to explore at an unhurried pace.
Spring and early autumn are comfortable times to visit; in summer, aim for the morning or late afternoon, when the exposed lower garden is cooler. Wear shoes with good grip for the gravel paths and steep climb, and check current opening hours and ticket prices before setting out.