The story of the Giardino Botanico reads like a tale from a time long past.  

Austrian Professor Arturo Hruska, born in 1880, dentist for the last Tsar and such renowned personalities such as Sigmund Freud or Popes Pius XII and John XXIII, was so impressed by the beauty of Lake Garda that he bought a plot of land and moved his practice there in 1903. At the same time, he began to create one of the most magical and biodiverse private gardens in Italy on an area of 10,000 m². 

During one of his stays in 1988, André Heller discovered the somewhat forgotten power place. Heller, who had achieved worldwide fame as a universal artist breaking genre boundary, took on Hruska’s legacy. Today, the Giardino Botanico – André Heller Foundation is home to around 3000 plant species from all over the world. This incredible diversity is united by contemporary sculptures and remarkable landscape architecture to create a complete artwork. 

In his 30 years as host, André Heller invited countless artist friends such as Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Hans Magnus Enzensberger, HC Artmann, Gert Jonke, David Bowie, Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel to find high energy and relaxation in this wonder place. Today, the new owners Jovanka and Hans Porsche, in collaboration with André Heller, generously, caringly and gently hold their protective hands over the treasure.

Pictures below by Luca Locatelli