PARCO DELLA CHIUSA
This park is actually called Parco della Chiusa, but is known locally as Parco Talon.
It was created out of the remains of the estate belonging to the noble family Sampieri
Talon who began construction of the villa and park on their lands in the 1600s. The
present layout of the park gives some indication of the original plan: the villa is
surrounded by a vast garden, designed according to the canons of the French landscape
architect Le Notre, a small Italian-style garden, and a vast English-style lawn which
provides lovely views of the river and surrounding fields and vineyards. Completing
the picture are a little lake, statues, gazebos and areas presenting exotic environments,
reflecting the style of the day. Behind the buildings, woodlands grow on a steep hillside,
used as a hunting reserve and a source of firewood. The park has enjoyed moments of
great social prominence, in particular in the 1700s when it hosted lavish festivities
and illustrious guests. In 1975 the park became municipal property and was opened
to the public. Even though time and history have taken their toll, it is still easy
to imagine the grounds in all their antique, noble splendor. Today it is a public
resource of inestimable value, where hundreds of people flock to enjoy its historical
significance and natural beauty.
