Comune: | Lucca |
Via: | degli Asili, 33 |
ll'allegoria delle quattro stagioni. All'interno delle aree erbose, sono presenti oltre a fioriture stagionali piante di tasso, pini, alberi da frutto e magnolie. Dalla parte opposta dell'ingresso, addossato al muro di cinta, si trova la limonaia, sormontata da una balaustra sulla quale si ergono i leoni ed al centro un basilisco, emblema dei Contorni. Ai lati del portale in legno ci sono due nicchie contenenti a destra la statua di Ercole e a sinistra quella di Cibele. I due viali principali che definiscono gli spazi erbosi sono delimitati da numerosi vasi contenenti piante di limoni e di rose.
This building, which dates back to the second half of the 17th century, belonged to the Moriconi family before passing into the hands of the Controni family. In 1860, the property was bought by Felice Pfanner, who converted it into a brewery, a concern that remained in operation until 1929. The garden lies between the present south building and the town walls to the north, as can already be seen on the Sinibaldi map of 1843. Beyond the entrance gateway is an area paved with square stones, with terracotta vases containing cycas plants that border the way into the garden. A box hedge approximately 1.5 metres high, defines the area of the garden proper. This garden is divided geometrically into seven rectangular spaces bordered by straight pathways. The green area in front of the building is sub-divided into four grassy areas edged with box and laurel hedges, with an octagonal pool at the centre that is decorated with allegorical statues depicting the four elements: Vulcan (fire), Mercury (air), Dionysus (earth) and Oceanus (water). Close to the palace stand another four allegorical statues of the seasons. Inside the grassy area are seasonal flowering plants, yew trees, pines, fruit trees and magnolias. On the other side of the entrance, against the boundary wall, is the lemon house, surmounted by a balustrade with lions and, at the centre, a basilisk, an emblem of the Contorni family. On either side of the wooden doorway are two niches containing a statue of Hercules (on the right) and Cybele (on the left). The two main paths bordering the lawns are lined with numerous vases containing lemon trees and roses.