I Giardini La Mortella, on the beautiful promontory of Zaro in Forio d’Ischia, are a real Eden, one of the most beautiful private gardens in Europe. Their name derives from the place where they are located, once called Le Mortelle because of the myrtle bushes (Myrtus communis) growing among the rocks.
Open to the public since 1991, they were created in the 1950s by the Argentinean wife of English composer Sir William Walton, Lady Susan. Susan imagined an oasis where the prestigious musician could work in peace and quiet. Lady Walton’s hard work, dedication and passion transformed barren land into a multi-tiered garden.
In a succession of paths, streams, fountains, colours and scents, you will go from a typically sub-tropical environment in the valley to the sunny hillside areas. In the hillside garden, you will also find the Greek Theatre, which overlooks the entire bay of Forio and is a concert venue during the summer season. The Concert Hall in the park hosts chamber music performances by young artists from Italian and foreign music schools. Today, La Mortella belongs to the William Walton and La Mortella Foundation.