Captain Neil McEacharn purchased the original property, formerly known as 'La Crocetta', specifically to transform it into a world-class botanical garden.
The garden contains a collection of the rare Victoria cruziana, a giant water lily capable of supporting significant weight.
The site utilizes an irrigation system that pumps water directly from Lake Maggiore, integrated into the garden's architectural layout.
During the Second World War, the gardens were protected from development through McEacharn's foresight and careful management.
The mausoleum of Captain McEacharn is located within the gardens, honoring his role as the site's architect and primary donor.
The herbarium contained within the villa houses thousands of dried specimens collected during the garden's formative years.
The gardens host an annual dahlia festival in late summer, featuring over 1,700 plants and 350 varieties of the flower.
The landscape design intentionally merges elements of English gardening styles with Italian topography.
Giardini Botanici di Villa Taranto is a 16-hectare botanical park situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Verbania. Created by Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn between 1931 and 1940, the garden features a systematic arrangement of rare plants sourced from global expeditions. The grounds include a series of specialized zones such as the dahlia maze, the lotus pool, and the Victorian-era glasshouses. Visitors navigate a network of paths spanning seven kilometers of landscaped terrain. The botanical collection comprises over 20,000 plant varieties, including tropical species adapted to the microclimate of the lake. It remains an active site for botanical research and preservation. The site is currently open and maintains its historical design as a botanical garden.
The central lawn area looking toward the lake with the Villa Taranto building in the background.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain involves significant changes in elevation and long paths.
Plan your visit to coincide with the blooming schedule, checking the official calendar for peak dahlia or tulip seasons.
Use the provided garden map to prioritize specific sections, as the total area is quite large.
Do not attempt to walk the entire 7km of paths in formal wear or inadequate footwear.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during winter months.
Refrain from touching the plants or stepping off designated paths; strictly follow local signage regarding photography and conduct.
