On the Via Francigena, just a few meters from the Dolmen of Montalbano in the province of Brindisi, in the center of the plain of monumental olive trees, on a strip of land owned by the Zizzi family, the Giardini Mileto have now been established.
An ancient quarry and the surrounding land have been converted into a nature park featuring plants from all over the world.
The road is crossed daily by tourists on foot or by bike, by religious pilgrims and by visitors staying in the many historic farmhouses in the Itria Valley area.
Biodiversity, revitalization, inclusion and promotion of the local area are just some of the values underpinning this project. This beautiful botanical garden offers the opportunity to get closer to nature and learn about its immense variety, while still being in an urban setting. An experience that can enrich the mind and heart, for the whole family.
Fourteen hectares of land on which a unique route unfolds, divided into themed areas that differ in terms of their flora, which comes from various parts of the Mediterranean, but also from around the world, and is particularly well suited to our soil and climate conditions.
The trail runs along a tree-lined route bordered by species with different flowering periods, so as to offer an alternation of colors throughout the year's seasons.
The second area of the garden is The Theater, which, due to its natural layout, serves as a backdrop for events of all kinds.
The palm grove, where art and poetry intersect, stimulating the visitor's imagination.
The rustling of the sugar canes, the gurgling of the water, and the swaying of the Pampas grasses are a source of tranquility for the mind.
The fourth area, “The Desert,” consists of succulent plants (commonly known as cacti) intended to recreate an environment typical of waterless regions, demonstrating that even in arid and rocky areas, it is possible to create an eco-sustainable garden.
The fifth area is The Olive Grove. This area illustrates the evolution of olive cultivation through the thickening of an old olive grove and its conversion into an intensive semi-irrigated system. In this area, you can also observe how the number of animal and plant species changes further.
The sixth themed area is The Orchard. Here, colors, scents and flavors intertwine. You can see the intercropping of different types of fruit trees, new and old cultivars, with medicinal and aromatic herbs, and at the same time you can taste the various seasonal crops and sample or purchase the extra virgin olive oil we produce.
The Giardini Mileto firmly believe in the importance of educating the public about sustainability: every experience there offers the opportunity to re-establish a direct connection with nature and, at the same time, to learn more about biodiversity and the evolution of best environmental practices.
