Villa D'Ayala Valva
Villa D'Ayala, located in the picturesque municipality of Valva, is one of the jewels of Italy's cultural heritage. This mysterious place, filled with dark omens and corners rich in life, offers a fascinating combination of lush vegetation, art, and culture. The villa is dominated by nature, which, with its imposing presence, seems to guard treasures and mysteries.
The History of Villa D'Ayala
Built in the 18th century by the noble D'Ayala family, the villa is an emblem of the grandeur and architectural beauty of the era. With a floor plan of approximately 600 square meters and a maximum height of about 20 meters, the villa encompasses a tower and an internal courtyard. The tower, also known as the Normanna Tower, represents the oldest existing structure of the complex and is located on the northern side of the palace.
Unfortunately, the villa suffered damage due to the earthquake of 1980, which led to the demolition of five towers located at the corners. Today, the villa is an important landmark for cultural and historical events, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Architectural Features
Villa D'Ayala stands out for its elegance and refined architectural details. Among its main features, we find:
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Historic Gardens: The villa's garden, prominently visible from the center of Valva, spans an area of between 17 and 18 hectares and is completely surrounded by walls. Its layout, dating back to the 18th century, features a mixed coppice forest with a prevalence of holm oaks, chestnuts, and maples.
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Garden Design: The garden is characterized by straight avenues that create an irregular checkerboard pattern, with two Italian gardens and a Teatrino di Verzura, enriched by fountains, statues, and small architectural elements.
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Caves and Canals System: Of great interest is the system of caves and canals, probably dating back to Roman times, which runs through the park and was used for water drainage.
Villa D'Ayala in Valva is a must-visit destination for those who love history, art, and nature. This fascinating place, which seems to guard mysteries and secrets through the centuries, offers a unique experience to all visitors. Plan your visit and discover why Villa D'Ayala is considered one of the gems of Southern Italy!
How to Reach Villa D'Ayala
For those coming from Salerno on the A3 motorway, take the Contursi Terme exit, continue to the Colliano exit, and then proceed towards Valva following the signs for Villa D'Ayala.
Opening Hours of Villa D'Ayala
DAY | OPENING HOURS |
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Monday | by reservation |
Tuesday | by reservation |
Wednesday | by reservation |
Thursday | by reservation |
Friday | by reservation |
Saturday | 9:30 - 12:30 and 16:30 - 19:00 |
Sunday | 9:30 - 12:30 and 16:30 - 19:00 |
NOTE: Admission to the villa on open days is scheduled at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Admission Fees for Visiting Villa D'Ayala in Valva
The admission ticket price for access to Villa D'Ayala is as follows:
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GENERAL TICKET: €5.00
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REDUCED TICKET: €3.00
The reduced ticket applies to groups of at least 10 people.
NOTE: For access to the villa, you can request information or book guided tours at the following number: 0828 796001 (administration)