Address: Via del Corso, 2/1
Description: The Herb Garden at Casola Valsenio is the most important in Italy and probably in Europe due to the number and variety of plants cultivated there. It was created in 1938 by Prof. Augusto Rinaldi Ceroni, who at the time was director of the local agricultural school. He obtained permission to use a small plot of land next to the school as an experimental botanical garden. He continued the experiment and research for over 40 years convincing increasing numbers of experts in the field that it was possible to cultivate medicinal plants in a hilly environment. In 1974 Prof Augusto Rinaldi Ceroni created the “Botanical Herb Garden” on behalf of the Region Emilia Romagna where around 400 different species of plant are cultivated for experiments, research and distribution, these are used in medicine, cosmetics and cooking.
Today the Herb Garden occupies about 4 hectares of land and boast a permanent exhibition of dried plants and photographs, plus a library which visitors can use and a shop where herbal products are sold. Prof. Augusto Rinaldi Ceroni carried out studies regarding genetic improvement of medicinal plants and multiplied species of sage, thyme romana camomile and a lavender hybrid known as the R:C.
Opening Hours:
Aprile, May, September, October
Weekday opening hour 9.00 – 12.00 / 14.00 – 16.30
Saturday 15.00 – 17.30
Sunday and Public Holiday 10.00 – 12.00 / 15.00 – 17.30
During June, July and August the herb gardens opens and closes one hour late in the afternoon.
Visitors can visit the gardens all year round (except when it is raining) but must follow the itinerary.
For guided tours a ticket costs 3,00 Euro. Entrance to the garden (without guide) for groups cost 1,00 Euro
Free: Entrance to the gardens is free for visitors wishing to walk along the itinerary, without a guide.
Directions: The Herb Garden is situated about 2 km from Casola Valsenio, to reach the Garden follow the Lavender Road towards Fontanelice.
