68 
THE ART OF GARDEN DESIGN IN ITALY 
similar garden upon the west side of the casino; but this idea was never put into execution. 
Plate 27 shows a general view of the villa towards the casino, taken from the parterre ; and on 
Plate 28 is a view showing the great cascade, which is the central feature of the design. The 
water is first conducted to a large pool at the top of the hill, where a huge jet of water issues 
from the trumpet at the lips of a colossal figure of Fame, at whose feet recline two stucco figures 
representing Florence and Lucca. The water passes down the channels on either side of the 
cascade, issuing from the beaks of numerous strange grotesque birds, into a curious grotto upon 
the terrace below, where maidenhair fern and cool mosses abound, and many secret fountains sur¬ 
prise the unwary visitor. 
At one end of the middle terrace the garden theatre still exists, a charming little retreat, 
with ‘wings’ of box topiary-work and figures representing Tragedy and Comedy. On either side of 
the central cascade are thick ilex woods, with shady pathways leading to one of the most inviting 
bath-houses imaginable, with marble baths and two little retiring rooms adjoining; the decoration 
everywhere in white, blue, and gold, with frescoes of amorini bearing garlands. Some of the original 
furniture still remains, and we can form a delightful impression of the days when court was held 
by the Garzoni family, in their cool summer retreat amongst the mountains. 
From the top of the cascade a level path leads to a bridge crossing the ravine, and past 
the labyrinth to the south front of the casino. The arrangement of ramps and stairways forming 
the approach to this front of the casino is very curious; there is no provision for carriages, and 
on the little level plateau immediately in front of the house are two quaint sentry-boxes. A small 
courtyard behind the casino, and also a small garden with aviary, are on the north side. The 
Villa Collodi belongs to a period when the ‘ barocco ’ had gained considerable influence, and though 
its detail shows some lack of refinement, yet, as in nearly all Italian gardens, its fine central idea 
commands our admiration. There is great boldness in the planning of the central feature, and 
the terraces, with their groups of cypresses and long rows of trees in terracotta pots, are very 
picturesque. To the south are far-reaching views over the flat plain, stretching many miles into 
the blue distance. 
