Draft:Balio Gardens (Giardino del Balio)

Balio Gardens
Giardino del Balio
Type	Public garden
Location	Erice, Sicily, Italy
Coordinates	38°02′13″N 12°35′11″E
Area	Approximately 6 hectares
Created	1872
Founder	Municipality of Erice and Count Agostino Sieri Pepoli
Managed by	Municipality of Erice
Status	Open to the public
Designation	Part of Grandi Giardini Italiani
Website	Official website of Erice

The Balio Gardens (Giardino del Balio) are historic public gardens located in Erice, a medieval hilltop town in the Province of Trapani, Sicily, Italy. Established in 1872 through a unique agreement between the Municipality of Erice and Count Agostino Sieri Pepoli, the gardens feature panoramic views over Western Sicily and hold cultural and historical significance. The Balio Gardens are part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network, which showcases Italy’s prominent historic gardens.

History

The creation of the Balio Gardens was initiated in 1872 when Count Agostino Sieri Pepoli, originally from Bologna, reached an agreement with the Municipality of Erice. In exchange for the ruins of the castle towers, which he converted into his residence, Pepoli developed a public garden in the area surrounding the historic Castle of Venus. The project was influenced by the Savoy period, which emphasized public spaces in Sicily.

The gardens were designed with an English garden style, featuring Mediterranean and exotic plants, and winding paths lined with Buxus sempervirens hedges. The gardens also include scenic overlooks and decorative structures, such as the Pepoli Tower.

Features and Layout

The Balio Gardens are known for their views, offering panoramas over Trapani, the Aegadian Islands, Stagnone Lagoon, and Monte Cofano. Within the garden, visitors can explore various historical and artistic elements:

• Flora: Mediterranean and exotic plants, including notable species like the centuries-old Prunus mahaleb (dogwood cherry trees).
• Fountains and Sculptures: The Fountain of Venus with the Bee (1933), the Eye Fountain, and an icon of the Madonna of Custonaci.
• Pepoli Tower: A historic tower within the gardens, originally developed by Count Pepoli.

2019–2024 Renovations

Renovations on the Balio Gardens began in 2019 and were completed in 2024. The restoration project was led by Vincenzo Giacalone, owner of the garden design company L’Hibiscus, in collaboration with landscape architect Pietro Pio Pedone from Marsala. The project focused on restoring biodiversity, removing invasive species, and enhancing pathways to revitalize this historic garden space.

Significance and Recognition

As part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network, the Balio Gardens are recognized for their botanical and cultural importance. The network, founded in 1997, aims to promote Italy’s natural heritage to a broader audience.

Tourism and Accessibility

The Balio Gardens are open to the public, with easy access from the historic center of Erice. Nearby attractions include the Castle of Venus and scenic overlooks.