Fondazione William Walton
The enchanted gardens Giardini La Mortella were created by Sir William Walton and Lady Susanna Walton. The original plan was designed around the suggestive volcanic promontory by the renowned British landscape architect Russell Page who worked together with Lady Walton during the 1950’s.
The botanic gardens are situated on the isle of Ischia, Naples boasting 2 hectares of rare plant and flower collections from the Mediterranean and over the world together with trees, ponds, streams, fountains, tropical greenhouses, Nymphaeum and William’s rock.
Sir William Walton was a British composer who arrived to Ischia shortly after marrying Susanna in 1949 when the land was purchased situated in an area known as “Le Mortelle” due to myrtle bushes present throughout volcanic rocks and so giving the name to the property “La Mortella”. Lady Walton worked over 50 years with dedication to create a refuge for William to compose in isolated peace. When William passed away in 1983 she decided to open the grounds to the public by 1991. She formed two foundations in his name – the Fondazione William Walton in Italy and the William Walton Trust in Britain, aiming not only to promote her husband’s love and knowledge of music but also to maintain the beautiful grounds and gardens. To Lady Susanna Walton, La Mortella has proven to be a mission of a lifetime, a monument to the life and works of William and a poignant reminder of the great love they experience together.

2020 OPENING TIMES
The Garden is open to the public from June 16th to October 31st, 2020. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm. Last admission by 6 pm.
At least two hours are recommended for the visit. The garden is also accessible to disabled visitors. Guided Tours for groups are available in Italian and English by appointment only +39 081 990118. All visitors receive a map of the gardens including a suggested itinerary and the main attractions.

Giardini La Mortella – 45, Via Francesco Calise 80075 Forio, Ischia
(NA) phone: +39 081 986220 mail: info@lamortella.org

Source ©My Country magazine – July 2020 / May 2019 (page 14)