The Ciucioi Garden, also known as Bortolotti Garden, stands as a hanging garden envisioned in the mid-nineteenth century by the forward-thinking entrepreneur Tommaso Bortolotti. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the historic center of Lavis, approximately a twenty-minute drive from Trento, its name originates from the distortion of the German phrase “zum zoll”, translating to “customs duty”, in reference to the neighboring border between the episcopal principality of Trento and the Austrian Tyrol.
This unique hanging garden intertwines ruins and verdant greenery, crafting an ambiance suspended between the realms of reverie and reality. It serves as an exemplary instance of romantic architecture, seamlessly blending nineteenth-century eclectic and picturesque elements, thereby reviving a landscape teeming with fantasy and charm.
The Visionary Behind The Ciucioi Garden
Tommaso Bortolotti, the mind behind the Ciucioi Garden, was born on November 5th, 1796, amidst Napoleon’s retreat from Trentino. Engaged within the intricate political landscape of the time, oscillating between French and Bavarian occupation, and eventual annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, he fervently supported the cause of Italian Tyrol’s autonomy. He belonged to the intellectual elite of that era, with strong affiliations with Freemasonry.
Details about his personal life remain scant. It is known that Bortolotti was an active citizen in Lavis and served as the city’s mayor from 1830 to 1832. His father, an entrepreneur and owner of a spinning mill, likely provided the financial means that enabled Bortolotti to materialize his extraordinary dream – the creation of an unparalleled hanging garden.
A Hanging Garden Sui Generis
The Ciucioi Garden comprises a sequence of artificial terraces, partly carved into the rock, adorned with original architectures echoing the eclectic tastes prevalent in the early nineteenth century. Spanning a construction period of approximately 20 years, from 1840 to 1860, it entailed an investment surpassing 60,000 florins of that era. No blueprints or designs exist; purportedly, the visionary creator held the entirety of the project in his mind. Tragically, Bortolotti met his demise within the garden while closing a greenhouse window during a storm.
The garden unfolds along a path with a spiraling ramp, culminating at the “Casa del Giardiniere” (Gardener’s House). Across these terraces, an array of peculiar structures unfolds: the facade of a neo-Gothic church, an incomplete castle with a porch, an artificial cave, a Renaissance loggia, and Moorish spires. The interpretation of these symbols remains contentious, yet many perceive them as part of an initiatory journey inspired by Masonic ideals.
A Serene Oasis
Resting on the upper terrace is a substantial greenhouse, meticulously reconstructed to replicate the original. While the specific vivarium contents during Tommaso Bortolotti’s era remain unknown, historical records indicate his cultivation of lemons and various exotic plants, including magnolias, Japanese medlars, and medicinal and aromatic herbs. Presently, the greenhouse hosts diverse citrus fruit species.
Throughout the First World War, the garden endured significant damage and despite intermittent maintenance efforts over the years, it fell into abandonment. In 1999, the Municipality of Lavis acquired the property and initiated restoration endeavors in subsequent years. Since 2019, guided tours have made this captivating site accessible once again.
For those seeking solace amidst breathtaking landscapes, an immersion into botanical and architectural wonders, or simply a moment of peace away from the urban clamor, Ciucioi Garden in Lavis offers an enchanting retreat – a haven where time seems to stand still amidst the beauty of nature.
