FAI REOPENS THEATRE OF VERDURE
The Annual spring weekend (21st-23rd April 2025) of FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano – Italian Heritage Foundation), the Italian branch of the International National Trusts Organization for heritage preservation, offered the customary opportunities for art and culture lovers to visit many special protected cultural sites not normally available to the public.
Among those was the rarely open 18th century Villa d'Ayala Valva near Salerno (Campania), a 44 acre estate, that has been dubbed the “Versailles of Campania” due to its magnificent Italian gardens. The villa was gifted to the Knights of Malta by the last remaining heir of the D'Ayala Valva dynasty.
One of its most fascinating features is the Teatro di Verzura (Theatre of Verdure), an open air auditorium immersed in Nature and largely covered in shrubs and plants and decorated with sculptures and fountains, which was used for summer performances to entertain the marquise's guests.
These little known outdoor theatres were once a frequent feature in the gardens of noble families. 18 of these are listed in Italy as having survived. The oldest in Europe is believed to be the 17th century Royal Villa of Marlia in Tuscany, treasured and restructured by Napoleon's sister, Elisa Bonaparte Bacliocchi, while she was Grand Duchess of Tuscany.
The 2025 FAI Spring Weekend saw the exceptional opening to the public of 750 sites, many of which are normally closed to the public.
Info: www.fondoambiente.it
