La Mortella, Ischia: The Waltons’ Garden & Musical Legacy

Photograph: Vittorio Sciosia

In this article

Susana Walton’s garden

La Mortella brings together garden design, an exceptional plant collection and the musical life of Susana and William Walton. Near Forio, it is one of the most rewarding cultural visits on Ischia.

In 1956 Susana Walton asked landscape architect Russell Page to design the garden around its volcanic rock formations. Her work developing and caring for the planting continued over decades. The garden’s story is inseparable from her commitment, as well as from the composer’s life on the island.

The La Mortella foundation provides the history and current programme. Come with time to explore: the garden suggests allowing at least two hours.

The valley: water, shade and large leaves

In the lower garden, look at the relationship between water, foliage and the surrounding rock. Pools and fountains draw the eye through planting that can be dense and intimate. Pause at different levels to enjoy the changing views through the planting.

Water-lily leaves covering a shaded pond at La Mortella
Water-lily leaves make patterns across the surface of a garden pond. Photograph: Vittorio Sciosia.
Tree ferns and broad leaves in La Mortella’s shaded garden
Ferns and large leaves give the lower planting much of its texture. Photograph: Vittorio Sciosia.

Contrasting leaf shapes and shifting light under the canopy are part of the pleasure of the walk. Plant labels add another level for visitors who want to look more closely.

The hillside and Thai pavilion

The upper garden changes the scale of the visit, with terraces, paths and more open views. The climb reveals the variety within this relatively compact site, with places to pause and take in the hillside setting.

Thai pavilion above a pond and large leaves at La Mortella
The Thai pavilion is one of the garden’s most recognisable features. Photograph: Vittorio Sciosia.

Take the map offered at the entrance and ask which route best suits your interests. The garden includes ramps and stairways; visitors with access needs should discuss the appropriate entrance and reachable areas before arriving.

Music at La Mortella

Concerts continue the Walton connection. The programme includes chamber music and outdoor orchestral events, with different venues and seasonal calendars. Attending one can turn a garden visit into the main event of the day.

Use the official concert and visiting information to check the programme, ticket arrangements and admission conditions. Reserve ahead where required, and leave enough time to find the venue. Concert tickets and timings are separate from ordinary garden admission.

Planning the visit

During its main season, La Mortella normally opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 7pm, with last admission at 6pm. Confirm the current calendar for seasonal dates and additional openings. The two entrances are on Via Francesco Calise and Via Zaro; check which is suitable for your transport and access needs.

  • Allow at least two hours, with extra time for a concert or a leisurely pause.
  • Wear shoes suitable for paths, steps and changes of level.
  • Bring water and sun protection even when starting in shaded areas.
  • Check last admission as well as closing time.

A garden visit can be paired with Forio or San Francesco beach. For a contrasting collection, read about Giardini Ravino; for the wider island, use our Ischia travel guide.

Plan your Ischia holiday. Explore our Ischia holidays and selected hotels. We’ll match the accommodation to your interests, requirements and budget, with transfers and private visits arranged as part of your land-only holiday. Flights are booked independently.

Share
Copy Link
×