Villa Fabri and its garden form a link between the historical old town of Trevi and the Umbrian landscape. The building was constructed by Gerolano Fabri, who moved into it in 1603. A wrought-iron gate opens from Piazza Garibaldi to give a view of the villa’s north façade and the front garden of lawns, box hedges and gravel paths with old holm oaks, alders and chestnut trees. At one time, a splendid terrace garden behind the villa formed a contrast to this relatively formal garden.
The terraces and some historical structures from the earlier garden still survive today. These include the steps, the fountain and a stone pergola with an old iron framework.
After the villa has been extensively renovated in recent years, the new garden was also opened in autumn, 2015. By the shape of its beds, which correspond to the outline of olive tree leaves, the modern design creates the connection to the surrounding cultural landscape.
Then as now, they provide the setting for a fascinating view of approximately 300,000 olive trees and the hills of the Umbrian countryside.
When viewed from afar, the mountain villages of the Umbrian landscape almost appear to be monoliths. But this impression is created by their traditional dense structure of historical buildings, streets and squares. Embedded in the villages are some “balconies”, which afford a sweeping view of the old cultural landscape.
Villa Fabri and its garden form a balcony of this kind, i.e. a link between the historical old town of Trevi and the landscape. The building was constructed by Gerolano Fabri, who moved into it in 1603. A large wrought-iron gate opens from Piazza Garibaldi to give a view of the villa’s north façade and the front garden of lawns, box hedges and gravel paths with shady old holm oaks, alders and chestnut trees. At one time, a splendid terrace garden behind the villa formed a contrast to this relatively formal garden.
The terraces and some historical structures from the earlier garden still survive today. These include the steps, fountain and a stone pergola with an old iron framework.
After the villa has been extensively renovated in recent years, the new garden was also opened in autumn, 2015. By the shape of its beds, which correspond to the outline of olive tree leaves, the modern design creates the connection to the surrounding cultural landscape.
Then as now, they provide the setting for a fascinating view of approximately 300,000 olive trees and the hills of the Umbrian countryside. The cypresses lining the lawns also add a particular charm to the garden.
A flight of steps leads from the front garden to the upper of two terraces below the villa. Holm oaks, alders and laurels grow here as well as palm trees and cypresses. Most visitors feel inclined to walk directly along the gravel paths to the low parapet from which there is an unobstructed view southwards across the countryside.
A raised dais flanked by pillars on the central axis of the parterre forms the beginning of a double flight of steps which leads the visitor down to the lower terrace. Three grottoes and a fountain can be found below the steps, which end at a long pergola. Today the lower terrace is a flat area of lawn with a central stage. The olive groves which supply the fruits for the famous Umbrian olive oil start directly behind the boundary wall.
Since 2000, Villa Fabri and its gardens have belonged to the municipality of Trevi, which is in the process of implementing an extensive programme for their restoration and use. The villa has been actively used by the municipality as well as by clubs and the general population since the renovation of its interior was completed in 2008.
Many events such as concerts, theatrical performances and markets make active use of the individual areas of the garden while visitors and participants in seminars avail of its shady areas for breaks.
A visit to Villa Fabri and its garden would not be complete without a stroll through Trevi’s old historical centre with its municipal theatre, the Teatro Clitunno, and its palaces, churches and museums, as well as a stop for an espresso or a meal in one of the restaurants of the town, which is pervaded every year in November by the atmosphere of the annual culinary festival.
In autumn 2015 the new gardens in front of the villa and on the first terrace were opened to the public. The gardens provide a striking contrast between contemporary garden design and the historic villa with the plentitude of decorative elements and offer a convincing new structure to guide visitors around.
Address:
Villa Fabri
Via delle Grotte 2
Via delle Fonti
06039 Trevi (PG)
Italy
Email: mcarbone@regione.umbria.it
Website: www.treviturismo.it; www.comune.trevi.pg.it
Since November 2009 Villa Fabri is the seat of the regional network “Villas, Parks and Gardens” in Umbria and the “Observatory of Biodiversity and Rural Landscape”.
Owner: Comune di Trevi
Opening times: The garden is open during daylight. The house is only accessible during the weekend and by appointment. Call +39/742381628.
Admission price: No entrance fees.
Cultural events and exhibitions: Updated information concerning events in Trevi can be found on:www.treviturismo.it. End of October / early November three days “Festivol” (cultural festival with a focus on olive oil and regional products) www.festivol.it
Customer Services:
- Shop: No.
- Café / Restaurant: Not at Villa Fabri, but many restaurants in the village.
- WC: Villa Fabri.
- Parking: Underground parking, access by Via delle Grotte.
- Benches: Yes.
- Average stay: 30 minutes.
- Accessibility: Caused by location, terraces and stairs, accessibility even on main paths is awkward and risky.
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