For the final excursion of my program, they took us on a day trip to the gardens at Ninfa. Ninfa used to be a city, but was destroyed sometime in the middle ages. In more modern times, its wealthy owners decided to use the ruins of the old city as a foundation for a garden. The results were spectacular.
Ninfa is not only one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, but the ruins of old walls and buildings throughout the gardens give it a beautifully haunted look. Throughout the gardens is the constant presence of water. The water flows through the garden, reflecting the sunlight, while its crystal clarity allows an unobstructed view of the flora underneath the surface. In all, it combines to give a picture that seems to step out of a fairy tale. Ninfa could be a city of woodland spirits, nymphs, or elves.
Ninfa was the hidden gem of my study abroad in Rome. It was the short excursion offered by my program to a relatively unknown place. I mostly went on the trip because it was already paid for and I had nothing better to do. As I am not a fan of waking up early, I even considered not going at the last minute. However, I am so glad I went. Some people may say that a garden is a garden, but Ninfa is like something from another realm.