Ninfa

Book excerpt: The history of Ninfa stretches back to Roman times. During the Middle Ages, this town was squabbled over, sacked, beset by malaria, and eventually abandoned to the elements. A forgotten section of the estate of the aristocratic Caetani family, it was left to slumber until the 20th century when descendants transformed it into the stunning place it is today. Based on Charles Quest-Ritson's 20-year study of Ninfa, this book showcases the garden's unique appeal in images of plants winding over ruined towers and walls, roses scrambling for footholds in crumbling archways, and the frescoed church wall still standing, proudly exposed to the weather. In compelling text and lush images, the author explores the riches of the only garden in Italy to be featured on a postage stamp, devoting chapters to its history, discovery, and rediscovery, the glittering personalities associated with it, the garden today, and more.