Beyond the Gardens Festival
Literature, nature, and landscape in the park of Villa Sommi Picenardi
About Beyond the Gardens
Stories of books, plants, and people
The Festival Oltre i Giardini was born in Olgiate Molgora, in the province of Lecco, as an event dedicated to the encounter between literature, nature, landscape, and collective responsibility. A festival that tells "stories of books, plants, and people," building an accessible path where the written word dialogues with environmental care.
The setting of Villa Sommi Picenardi
The venue is Villa Sommi Picenardi, on Via Sommi Picenardi, a historic residence surrounded by a charming park. Here, the public can participate in meetings with authors, walks in the greenery, outdoor breakfasts and lunches, film screenings, photographic exhibitions, theatrical performances, and concerts, in an atmosphere that combines culture and contact with nature.
A program for everyone
Designed for adults, families, readers, and nature enthusiasts, the festival also offers workshops for children aged 4 to 10. With distinguished guests and moments of reflection on the relationship between humans and the environment, Oltre i Giardini presents itself from its first edition as an original event in the cultural landscape of Brianza lecchese, capable of intertwining literature and ecological commitment. Admission is free.
Beyond the Gardens — edition 2026
On May 23 and 24, 2026, Villa Sommi Picenardi in Olgiate Molgora hosts the first edition of the Festival Oltre i Giardini, dedicated to the encounter between literature, nature, and landscape. Two days of meetings with authors, park walks, outdoor breakfasts and lunches, screenings, theater, and concerts.
The program includes workshops for children aged 4 to 10 and moments of reflection on the relationship between humans and the environment. Admission is free; children's workshops require booking, with limited places.
Programme Beyond the Gardens 2026
Saturday, May 23
- Literary and botanical literature meetings
- Walks in the park of Villa Sommi Picenardi
- Theatrical performance
Sunday, May 24
- Meetings dedicated to the relationship between trees, nature, and landscape
- Screenings and documentaries
- Live music
Workshops for children aged 4 to 10 on both days, by reservation. Full program on the festival website.
Highlights Beyond the Gardens 2026
Prices Beyond the Gardens 2026
Practical information — Beyond the Gardens
When
Late May (Saturday and Sunday).
Where
Villa Sommi Picenardi, Via Sommi Picenardi 8, Olgiate Molgora (LC).
How to get there
By car from SP 54; Olgiate Molgora train station on the Milan-Lecco line.
Admission
Free. Children's workshops require booking, limited places.
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Where does it take place — Beyond the Gardens
Villa Sommi Picenardi
Via Sommi Picenardi 8, 23887 Olgiate Molgora