Palermo - Villa Giulia La Flora

This park lies to the southeast of Santa Teresa, on the far side of Via Lincoln leading from the main rail station to the sea. Its origins go back to a Rococo garden laid out by Niccolò Palma in 1778 and extended in 1872. In the center stands a fountain with a sundial, and the 18th century figure known as the "Genius of Palermo", carved by Marabitti for a second fountain. Such adornments, together with the exotic plants and animal enclosures, make this a very attractive park to visit. In 1787 Goethe remarked: "In the public gardens near the shipping lanes I passed many pleasant hours enjoying the peace and quiet. It is the most wonderful place in the world."