Giardino Jacquard

Giardino Jacquard, nestled in the heart of Schio, Italy, is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. This late Romantic English garden, commissioned by the industrialist Alessandro Rossi and designed by the Vicentine architect Antonio Caregaro Negrin, was constructed between 1859 and 1878. Named in honor of Joseph-Marie Jacquard, the inventor of the automatic loom, the garden was originally open to the workers of the Rossi wool mill, providing them with a serene escape from their daily labor.

The Historical Significance

Before becoming the enchanting garden it is today, the area was occupied by ancient factories dating back to the 18th century, founded by Nicolò Tron and later acquired by the Rubini and Rossi families. The site was initially used for productive purposes, housing a weaving mill, a wool warehouse, drying racks, and even urinals for the workers. These utilitarian structures were transformed into the picturesque garden we see today, with the addition of various architectural elements and lush greenery.

The Entrance and Layout

The entrance to Giardino Jacquard is marked by an elegant wrought-iron gate, flanked by octagonal columns topped with lanterns. As you step through the gates, you are greeted by a network of winding paths, diverse botanical species, and monuments dedicated to Francesco and Alessandro Rossi. The first monument is a marble bust of Francesco Rossi, framed in an aedicule, while the second is a bronze statue of Alessandro Rossi, created by Achille Alberti in 1899.

Architectural Marvels

One of the garden's most striking features is the exedra-shaped greenhouse with its expansive glass windows and a pagoda-style roof. This warm and humid greenhouse marks the transition from the flat area of the garden to the sloping section. The sloping area is adorned with various materials and ornaments, including pebbles, terracotta, artificial rocks, decorations, sculptures, parapets, and hanging gardens.

The Nymphaeum and Grottoes

As you venture deeper into the garden, you will encounter the enchanting nymphaeum, crowned by a bust of Atlas, and the grand entrance to the artificial grottoes. These grottoes, with their rustic charm and winding paths, offer a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting visitors to explore their hidden passages.

The Teatro Jacquard

The Teatro Jacquard, although currently disused, is an integral part of the garden complex. This theater, adapted in 1869 from a former wool warehouse, once had a seating capacity of around 800, divided between the stalls and a wooden gallery. The ground floor housed facilities for the wool mill workers, including an evening school, a café, and a library. The theater's Lombard-style facade is adorned with twelve terracotta medallions by Gian Battista Boni, depicting illustrious figures from Schio's history.

The Church of San Rocco

While technically outside the garden's walls, the Church of San Rocco is a significant part of the Giardino Jacquard's landscape. This 16th-century church, dedicated to Saint Roch, was built as a vow to ward off a plague epidemic. The church underwent several modifications in the 19th century, including the addition of a sacristy, the removal of the choir loft, and the elevation of the original bell tower. The church was further expanded and remodeled by Antonio Caregaro Negrin between 1862 and 1864, giving it its current neo-Gothic appearance.

The Botanical Heritage

Giardino Jacquard is home to a diverse array of plant species, both local and exotic. Among the garden's botanical treasures are Magnolia × soulangeana, Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum, Cupressus lambertiana, Taxus baccata, Magnolia grandiflora, and Celtis australis. Recent restoration efforts, which began in 2015, have included the removal of around thirty plants and the introduction of new specimens, all in keeping with Caregaro Negrin's original design.

Visiting Giardino Jacquard

Today, Giardino Jacquard is owned by the Municipality of Schio and is partially open to the public on special occasions. The garden is part of the Musei Altovicentino circuit, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Giardino Jacquard promises a memorable experience with its harmonious blend of nature and history.