Diverdeinverde – Open Gardens

A Green and Secret Bologna

Diverdeinverde – Open Gardens is one of the most beloved events in the spring calendar of Bologna, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. For an entire weekend in May, dozens of private gardens—normally inaccessible the rest of the year—open their gates to the public, alongside some collective green spaces curated by associations and citizen groups. The result is a large, widespread festival that reveals a city hidden behind the doors of historic palaces, beyond the walls of the hills, and among the hedges of the plains.

The History of the Event

Established in 2014 on the initiative of the Fondazione Villa Ghigi—now Fondazione IU Rusconi Ghigi—Diverdeinverde has grown edition after edition to become a benchmark for green space, nature, and urban landscape enthusiasts. The project promotes knowledge of the city's green spaces and environmental education, enhancing the botanical heritage and garden culture that spans the Municipality of Bologna, from the historic center to the hillside hamlets.

Open Gardens and Program

Each edition involves over forty green spaces distributed across the historic center, the panoramic Bologna hills, and the plains on the city's outskirts. These are mainly private gardens, but also urban vegetable gardens, courtyards, and collectively managed parks. Accompanying the visits is a rich calendar of events held in public and private locations:

• Historical-botanical guided walks to discover monumental trees and rare species;
• Artistic performances, installations, and musical moments amidst the greenery;
• Workshops for adults and children dedicated to nature, biodiversity, and the environment;
• Thematic meetings, book presentations, and conferences on landscape and sustainability.

How to Participate

To visit the planned private gardens, you need to purchase a nominal and personal entrance pass, valid for both days. The card allows access to the gardens during the indicated hours for each space and participation in the free events on the calendar; some activities require advance booking. The event's logistical base has been hosted for years at Filla, the civic space dedicated to green themes within the Parco della Montagnola.

An Event Not to Be Missed

With gates that open only once a year, unique views, and the relaxed atmosphere of a city that reveals itself as a garden, Diverdeinverde is the perfect opportunity to rediscover Bologna from an unusual perspective, accompanied by the passion of those who care for the city's greenery every day.