The parks
The Parks of Nervi comprise the broad green expanse formed by the Gropallo, Serra and Grimaldi villas. Together they cover about 92,000 square metres, stretching continuously between the Anita Garibaldi sea promenade and the old Roman road.
This is a historic landscape of Romantic inspiration and exceptional value. Exotic and tropical plants grow alongside Mediterranean flora: agaves, many kinds of palm, cedars and araucarias share the shade of ancient maritime pines with pepper trees, olive trees and oleanders. Broad lawns slope gently down to the sea, while winding avenues repeatedly open onto blue-water views.
The Municipality of Genoa bought the Gropallo and Serra villas in 1927 for 6,200,000 lire and opened them to the public shortly afterwards. Together with the sea promenade, they became Nervi’s principal attraction for visitors.
Comment on the purchase of the Parks: “The Podestà intends that this extensive 80,000-square-metre park should become a major attraction for visitors and, to that end, also plans to provide it with a swimming pool for winter sea bathing. The Municipality’s expenditure will therefore prove amply worthwhile.” Municipal Bulletin of Genoa, 1927.
The Parks complex
Gallery
The Parks complex — historical image 1
The Parks complex — IMGP6225
The Parks complex — historical image 3
The Parks complex — IMGP6149
The Parks complex — historical image 5
The Parks complex — IMGP2038
The Parks complex — 2028xr