William Walton (Oldham, England, 1902 - Forio d'Ischia 1983) was one of the leading English musicians of the twentieth century.
The artist settled on the island of Ischia in 1949 in the surroundings of the characteristic
Giardini La Mortella
William Walton (Oldham, England, 1902 - Forio d'Ischia 1983) was one of the leading English musicians of the twentieth century. The artist settled on the island of Ischia in 1949 near the characteristic village of Forio, where he ended up in 1983. "La Mortella" is the splendid garden, now open to the public, created by Susana Walton, William's Argentinian wife. In 1956 the famous landscape architect Russell Page designed the layout of the garden integrating it among the picturesque rock formations of volcanic origin. La Mortella is divided into two parts: a lower garden, called "Valle", and a higher garden located on the hill. The entire surface extends for about 2 hectares and houses a collection that boasts more than 3000 species of rare exotic plants. Countless collections of giant water lilies, orchids, palms, cycads, tree ferns inserted in tropical greenhouses and aviaries. Everything is designed with skilful skill and is enriched by fountains, pools and streams that allow the cultivation of a superb collection of aquatic plants including papyrus, lotus flowers and tropical water lilies. The various areas of the garden are connected by a series of avenues and paths that lead the visitor from terrace to terrace, up to the splendid views overlooking the bay of Forio.
A corner of the garden full of splendid lotus flowers houses the Sala Thai, a Thai meditation place that represents a pleasant stop for visitors. The museum houses a prestigious collection of images created by the great Cecil Beaton, the photographer-artist who went through all the avant-gardes of the last century. Even the famous designer Lele Luzzatti has left his delightful testimony, creating an imaginative and colorful little theatre. At the disposal of visitors, among other things, there is a tea room, shop, free parking. The garden is also equipped to accommodate disabled people. A rich program of classical music concerts takes place throughout the year in collaboration with national and international conservatories and music schools.
How to reach the Mortella Gardens:
The Garden La Mortella is located in the municipality of Forio, in the locality of Zaro. It is easily accessible both by bus and by car along the main road that surrounds the island.
For those who prefer to travel by car, the park has a large free car park located at the entrance on the hill, available to visitors. The bus stop is only 250 meters from the park. From the municipality of Ischia, Casamicciola and Lacco Ameno the section is covered by the CS, 1, 2 lines while from Forio, by the CD, 1, 2, 24 line.
Open from 31/03 to 31/10 Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday - Sunday