The Garden (hortus) Organized according to a checkerboard pattern made up of rectangular flower beds, the Garden is a special space, one visited by the prince during his strolls in the shade of pear and apple trees, and by the Castle gardeners, who tended to the plants used to supply the kitchens with beans, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal herbs. The enclosure served to block the entrance of animals.
The Forest and Orchard (viridarium) From the Latin viridis (verdant), this small wooded area with tall trees was often located outside the Castle walls where pigs, falcons, doves, and mills were found.
In Turin, the area set aside for the forest and orchard was very vast and, at one point, engaged fifty gardeners at the same time. In addition to chestnut, walnut, willow, plum, sorb, cherry, olive, and palm trees—all mentioned in ancient documents—a section of this space was occupied by the Prince's vineyard, which produced wine for the Castle.
The Prince's Garden (iardinum domini) This was a private space for the princes, used for reading, conversing, resting, and playing.
The Medieval Botanical Garden is located on the moat level of Palazzo Madama. Visits are open to those with an admissions ticket or a Garden ticket at the discounted price of 5 euro.
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The great variety of botanical species grown in the garden has allowed them to be grouped not only according to themed flower/plant beds but also into groups of important collections as regards botany and agronomy, diet and medicine, history and culture. This is why the Medieval Garden is a place to study and observe plants that have been forgotten and which here take center stage.
In this section, you can consult and download in-depth information on our Medieval Botanical Garden. Enjoy the read!
