Giardini Botanici di Villa Taranto — Attraction in Verbania

The Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto (16 hectares) are botanical gardens located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Pallanza, Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy. They are open daily; an admission fee is charged. The gardens were established 1931-1940 by Scotsman Neil Boyd McEacharn who bought an existing villa and its neighbouring estates, cut down more than 2000 trees, and undertook substantial changes to the landscape, including the addition of major water features employing 8 km of pipes. He set the name 'Villa Taranto' (Taranto House) in honour of his ancestor Étienne Jacques Joseph Alexandre MacDonald, named Duke of Taranto by Napoleon. They opened to the public in 1952, and after McEacharn's death in 1964 have been run by a non-profit organization. Captain Neil Boyd Watson McEacharn was born in 1884 in Hanover Square, London, England. His father was the Australian Sir Malcolm Donald McEacharn of Scottish descent and his mother Mary Ann Watson, a daughter of Australian mining millionaire John Boyd Watson. He was commissioned into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers of the British Army in 1911 and served throughout the First World War, being appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Today the gardens contain nearly 20,000 plant varieties, representing more than 3,000 species, set among 7 km of paths. Among its collections are azalea, cornus, greenhouses of Victoria amazonica, and 300 types of dahlias. It also contains a small herbarium and the...

Absolutely fabulous gardens. Lots of walking but along shaded cobbled paths with plenty of places to sit and eat a picnic or enjoy the views. The plantings of magnificent trees are fabulous and the little cafe at the top of the hill beside the Lily pools is divine. Fill your water bottle up near the bike racks as you go in and avoid the cafe near the ticket kiosk - service very grudging and prices for lukewarm coffee not good. Toilets also available here. Try to get here early to avoid the many visitors but the space allows you to keep your distance readly. I love gardens and this is probably...

A wonderful botanical garden.

Rich variety of vegetation colors and shapes. Great architecture that you do not get bored of even after 4 hours of walking. Beyond the variety of plants you can find ponds and lawns to rest. Some parts overlook the view of Lake Maggiore. The place is convenient for walking. Despite the height differences. the trails are moderate and also suitable for those who have difficulty walking. The signs are clear and easy to get around. Tour time about 3-4 hours. We were in April with a wonderful bloom mostly of a wide variety of colors. The rash can be seen in...