Parco del Boschetto

The Boschetto is the wooded eastern section of Foggia's historic public gardens. Designed in 1822 by Neapolitan gardener Felice Giordano, it preserves a distinctive tree-filled landscape within the city's central green space.

Why it matters

The public gardens began to take shape in 1820 under the initiative of Capitanata's intendant Nicola Intonti. Giordano's design for the Boschetto added mulberries and other local species, along with paths, fountains and statues. Wartime damage in 1943 destroyed much of the vegetation and several garden features; post-war planting introduced plane trees, eucalyptus and pittosporum.

What to notice

The wooded area contrasts with the more open lawns of the wider gardens. Mulberries recall the original planting, while plane trees and eucalyptus reflect the post-war replanting. The surviving tree cover and its slight rise distinguish the Boschetto from the surrounding park.

Context and history

The gardens were part of the civic reforms of the 1820s and later included a perimeter fence, entrance structure and botanical collection. The Boschetto is best understood as the historic wooded quarter of the larger Villa Comunale Karol Wojtyla, rather than as an independent park. Its layered plantings record both the original design and wartime reconstruction.