In the large western lawn of Villa Meli Lupi in Vigatto, three Ginkgo biloba specimens dominate the landscape like ancient sentinels. These trees, among the most captivating in the historic park, represent one of the oldest botanical species in the world and give the garden a unique character.
Native to China and considered a sacred plant, the ginkgo was introduced to Europe in the 18th century, finding its place in the grand romantic parks of historic estates.
At Villa Meli Lupi, these three ginkgo trees form a spectacular group, visible from various points throughout the garden.
Although a gymnosperm, the ginkgo produces neither needles nor cones, clearly distinguishing it from conifers. The most enchanting moment is autumn, when the canopies light up in a brilliant golden yellow and the lawn transforms into a luminous carpet, one of the most photographed spots in the park.
The ginkgo is also renowned for its extraordinary resilience: it has survived on Earth for over 200 million years, earning it the title of “living fossil”. It is a tree that spans epochs and survives catastrophes, renewing itself with strength—a perfect symbol of the bond between nature, history, and resilience.
Every autumn, their golden leaves offer one of the most breathtaking spectacles in the English-style Romantic Park of Villa Meli Lupi, reminding us that even the passing of the seasons can become pure beauty.
