NOT TO BE MISSED:

- One of the most important historical residences in Valpolicella

- Italian-style garden

- Ancient fortress guarding the hillside

Now a fine hotel in the heart of Valpolicella, in the village of Cengia, Villa Giona is one of the most prestigious historic residences in the area.

It was built as a fortress to guard the bottom on the eastern slopes of the CASTELROTTO hill by the Giona family, of Jewish origin, in the late 15th century.

Later becoming the family's summer residence, it was restored between the 16th and 17th centuries following the canons of the Renaissance residence, a period that also saw the birth of the Italian-style garden on the northern and southern slopes of the house, rich in statues and fountains.

In the Romantic era, the English garden developed around the estate, which today constitutes the villa's park, characterised by a pond and tall trees.

Villa Giona is immersed in greenery surrounded by cypresses, olive trees, vineyards and dry-stone walls, in the most authentic Valpolicella.

In the photo: view of the garden and the façade of the villa