In the heart of Tuscany, nestled among the green hills, Buggiano Castello is a jewel of biodiversity, especially for its extraordinary collection of citrus. This medieval village, known for its favorable microclimate, offers a fascinating slice of Mediterranean botany, enriched by the passion and industriousness of its inhabitants who, Through the centuries, they have been able to create a unique landscape continuum between garden and territory.

The Citrus Grove of the Village

Citrus fruits, symbols of power and wealth for their persistent beauty and decorative virtues, dominate the botanical scene of Buggiano Castello. Citrus medica (Cedro), for example, not only beautifies the landscape but also plays a practical role thanks to its repellent properties against snakes and its undoubted pharmaceutical qualities. These plants, besides being aesthetically pleasing, were once considered essential for the production of medicinal preparations with antivenom and antipesticidal properties.

The cultivation of citrus fruits in this village follows a tradition that has its roots in the fifteenth century, when it is already documented the presence of Citrus limon (lemon) grown on spalliera. This technique, in addition to protecting the plants from the cold, has helped create splendid collections of citrus that today we can admire in private gardens of Buggiano, witnessing a real “Citromania” that has developed over the centuries.

Other citrus species:

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange): This species is widely appreciated for its juicy and sweet fruits, rich in vitamin C, and for the beauty of the plant, which with its fragrant flowers and the brilliant color of citrus fruits contributes to create spectacular scenery in gardens.

Citrus reticulata (Mandarin): Known for its small and easily peeled fruits, the Mandarin is a constant presence in the gardens of Buggiano, loved for its intense scent and for the ability to add a touch of color even in the coldest months.

Citrus paradisi (grapefruit): This citrus, characterized by large fruits and a taste ranging from sweet to bitter, is cultivated for its nutritional qualities and for the strong aesthetic impact in the garden landscape.

Orange-Mandarin (Mandarin) hybrid: This particular hybrid combines the best qualities of oranges and mandarins, offering fruits with an exotic aroma and ease of consumption. Its presence in the gardens of Buggiano testifies to the continuous research and experimentation in the field of botany, to enrich the diversity and beauty of the landscape.

Beyond the citrus fruit

But Buggiano Castello does not live only on citrus fruits. Olea europaea (Olivo), for example, shares the landscape scene with citrus fruits, helping to define the botanical identity of the place. Medicinal plants also find ample space in the gardens of the village, with species such as Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) and Salvia officinalis (Sage), now widely used in cooking but once valuable for their healing properties. also mint and lavender

A diverse botanical heritage

Buggiano Castello also hosts a rich variety of ornamental and fruit plants, among which the Hydrangea hortensis (Ortensia), the Camellia japonica (Camelia) and the Magnolia grandiflora (Magnolia). These species, together with climbing roses, Cycas revoluta and Rhyncospermum jasminoides (Grapevine jasmine), contribute to creating sceneries of rare beauty, where the art of gardening merges with local history and culture.

an invitation to discovery

For botanical lovers and beyond, Buggiano Castello is a must-see destination. The event “La campagna dentro le mura” offers a unique opportunity to explore the secret gardens of the village, normally hidden from view but open to the public during the event. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, culture and biodiversity of this corner of Tuscany, where every corner reveals the care and passion of its inhabitants for green and botanical.

In conclusion, Buggiano Castello is not only a village rich in history and medieval charm, but also a place where history, nature and botany intertwine creating a unique and unforgettable landscape. A trip here is an immersion in timeless beauty, where each plant tells a story and each garden hides a secret.