Useful information for visiting
Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens

The gardens are located on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, in Verbania Pallanza (VB), in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.

The visit lasts on average approximately one to two hours, but for a complete experience it is advisable to allow as much time as possible, so as to “breathe in and experience” what nature is able to convey.

On weekdays, the ticket office is closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and after 5:30 PM; tickets can be purchased exclusively online.

On the days of the evening events, the ticket office will be open until 7:30 PM (last admission), gates close at 8:30 PM.
On July 24th, last admission will be at 5:30 PM, and gates will close at 6:30 PM

• Children from 0 to 5 years years old
• For the Group Leader
• For 1 teacher every 15 paying students
• For disabled person and carer
• For all VCO schools
• For the armed forces
• For firefighters
• For journalists

During the 2026 season, residents of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola will be able to access the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens free of charge by going directly to the ticket control point, without passing through the ticket office, and presenting their identity card on the following dates:

25 March, Wednesday
13 April
11 May
15 June
13 July
10 August
14 September
12 October

Residents of the Municipality of Verbania will also be able to enter free of charge on 8 May, on the occasion of the patron saint’s feast day of Saint Victor. They will only need to go directly to the ticket control point, without passing through the ticket office, and present their identity card.

Advance booking is recommended for group visits.

Yes, admission is free for disabled people and one carer. Free wheelchairs are available at the ticket office, please book in advance through the following number 0323 404555.

Since 1995, the Villa has been the seat of the Prefecture of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and has not been open to visitors.

Thanks to an agreement reached in 2026 with the Prefecture of VCO, visits to the Villa will be permitted exclusively on certain dates scheduled twice a month, and only for a limited number of people, who will be required to book at the Gardens on the day of the visit.

How to Book

On the scheduled dates indicated below, bookings for the visit will be made directly and in person at the Gardens, as the event will only be confirmed on the day itself, weather permitting.

Inside the Gardens, after ticket control, a “Reservation Point” will be set up on the indicated dates. Interested visitors will be able to book the visit, subject to availability, with groups of 25 people for each scheduled time slot at the following times: 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 12:30 p.m.

Each person with a booking will receive a ticket showing the assigned time. This ticket must be handed to the attendant located at the gate between the Gardens and the Prefecture, in front of the Library, after the small bridge.

Dates Scheduled for Visits to the Captain’s Villa

Monday, 13 April — free admission for VCO residents
Tuesday, 28 April
Monday, 11 May — free admission for VCO residents
Tuesday, 26 May
Monday, 15 June — free admission for VCO residents
Tuesday, 23 June
Tuesday, 7 July
Monday, 13 July — free admission for VCO residents
Monday, 10 August — free admission for VCO residents
Tuesday, 18 August
Tuesday, 1 September
Monday, 14 September — free admission for VCO residents
Tuesday, 6 October
Monday, 12 October — free admission for VCO residents

Visits are self-guided. A free app is available, which suggests the route and provides basic information. It can be downloaded from the home page of this website.

Visitors are in any case advised to follow the progressive numbering shown on the map handed out at the entrance.

Information will be available on site at each point marked on the map, provided on dedicated information stands.

Guided tours are available by prior arrangement with licensed guides.

The list can be found at the link below:

https://www.provincia.verbano-cusio-ossola.it/media/205467/pt-registro-atl-guide-20-06-2025.pdf

For accompanied visits with the Botanical Curator or with the gardeners, please contact the organisation at info@villataranto.it.

An information notice with the calendar of visits with the Curator, which take place when the Gardens are closed to the public, is available in the News section.

Yes, the Garden has a paved cobblestone path that allows visitors to enjoy and access many areas of the Gardens.

However, due to the layout of the terrain, some areas may present difficulties.

The recommended route for people with reduced mobility is indicated on the map provided.

Yes, the entrance to the Gardens can also be reached by lake, using the “VILLA TARANTO” boat stop of the Lake Maggiore Navigation service, which is located directly in front of the main entrance.

Yes, dogs are allowed on the pedestrian paths, provided they are kept on a short leash at all times throughout the visit. The owner will be held responsible for any damage caused.

In the event of severe weather warnings or weather conditions that could pose a safety hazard for visitors, Management reserves the right to partially or totally close the Gardens or order their evacuation.

Picnics are permitted inside the park only in the specifically designated areas. There are 15 tables available for visitors wishing to stop and rest. Please do not dispose of waste outside the appropriate bins located in the designated areas.

Video recording and photography for personal use are permitted. Sale and/or publication, including on social networks, without authorisation from the organisation is prohibited if for commercial purposes.

Aerial photography and filming are strictly prohibited, including drones, radio-controlled aerial technology, and similar devices.

The Gardens are available to host photo shoots.

For information or specific quotation requests, please contact the organisation by email at info@villataranto.it.