Hidden among the mountain peaks at almost one thousand metres above sea level, the Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden stands as a paradise for nature and botany lovers. Founded in the 1960s by Dr Antonio Ridella, this garden represents a lasting commitment to the conservation and promotion of Alpine flora from all over the world.
History and Mission
The Garden was conceived with the aim of collecting and preserving plant species from the most remote and striking mountain systems, from the Pyrenees to the Himalayas. Antonio Ridella, a veterinarian, naturalist and passionate botanist, has dedicated years to researching and collecting plants in Alpine habitats, transforming Pietra Corva into a centre of excellence for the conservation and study of Alpine biodiversity.
Exploration and Facilities
Visitors to the Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden are greeted by a path that leads through a variety of simulated habitats: from rockeries to screes, from beech forests to ponds populated by amphibians. The facility also houses a guesthouse for those who wish to prolong their experience immersed in nature, as well as a visitor centre that offers insights into the flora present and current conservation initiatives.
Education and Outreach
The Garden is not only a place of scenic beauty, but also an educational centre. It offers guided tours, workshops, and educational meetings explaining the importance of conserving Alpine flora and the impact of climate change on its habitats. Courses and lectures are available for students, researchers and enthusiasts who wish to deepen their botanical knowledge.
Botanical diversity
With around 1,200 species of Alpine plants carefully arranged according to their geographical origin and environmental characteristics, the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden represents a veritable living encyclopaedia of the world‘s flora. Visitors can explore a microcosm of Alpine ecosystems without having to travel thousands of kilometres, admiring rare and endangered plants.
Unique Experience
A stroll through the flower beds, along the paths up the rocks and through the beech forest is an experience that combines the enchantment of nature with scientific learning. Every nook and cranny of the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden offers a new source of discovery and wonder for visitors of all ages and with different naturalistic interests.
Invitation to Visit
For anyone fascinated by the beauty and diversity of nature, the Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden is a must-see. Whether you are a scientist, hiker or simple garden enthusiast, here you will find a place that nourishes both body and mind, celebrating the splendid variety of plant life that inhabits the Alpine regions of our planet.
In short, the Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden is more than just a collection of plants: it is a tribute to biodiversity, an educational opportunity and a refuge for those seeking tranquillity and beauty in a protected natural environment.
