Let's now enter a special place, the Secret Garden! It is a Hortus conclusus, hidden by high walls, a corner reserved for the hosts and their most intimate guests, a little masterpiece of peace and beauty. How many times have I fallen asleep here in the shade, imagining the noble ladies of the Guarienti and Maffei families walking silently or dancing during beautiful parties held for their most cherished guests.
The elderly dogs of the house used to say that the niche in front of the gate is very ancient, and it seems to have existed as far back as the 1500s! If you look closely, around the sculpture with the two putti, you can read "Fonte Venus sordis et fletu dilue culpae", which, as every good dog of the house knows, means: "With this fountain, oh Venus, wash away the dirt and with tears, cleanse the sins".
And now a little secret: it is said that behind the ancient wall, there is a passage that leads to the Mincio River, which was used in past centuries in times of danger to reach Lake Garda!
Follow me now, there are still more secrets to discover together!