Esterno della Villa Giardino Pompeo Mariani a Bordighera in Liguria

Villa Pompeo Mariani and its garden

Villa Pompeo Mariani, Art Immersed in Nature

Villa Pompeo Mariani is located in Bordighera, a short walk from the town’s historic centre. Attributed to the French architect Charles Garnier, the construction of the first part of the Villa began in 1885, at the request of Countess Fanshawe.

In 1909, the Lombard painter Pompeo Mariani bought the property and undertook major extension work. Pompeo Mariani, the Italian representative of Impressionism, decided to commission the architect Rodolfo Winter, son of the German botanist Ludwig Winter, to build his atelier, called “La Specola”, immersed in the green of the garden.

The interior furnishings of Villa Pompeo Mariani have been carefully preserved, as have some objects that belonged to the artist. Many celebrities of the time passed through this enchanting place, including the French painter Claude Monet and Queen Margherita.

Pompeo Mariani Garden, Painting Beauty

The Pompeo Mariani Garden occupies part of the old Moreno Garden. A wide range of species can be admired along the park’s paths, including citrus trees, palm trees and many centuries-old olive trees.

A source of inspiration for its beauty, the garden inspired not only Pompeo Mariani, but other personalities as well. Of particular note is the olive tree that provided the great French painter Claude Monet with creative inspiration for his painting Étude d’oliviers (Study of Olive Trees). Today, the locations that inspired the French painter are marked by special panels reproducing the painting.

‘The “La Specola” Laboratory, built upon the request of Pompeo Mariani, and perfectly preserved and open-to-visitors, is not to be missed.