The Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino is a garden of medicinal and aromatic herbs located in the village of Miasino, on the hills overlooking Lake Orta in Piedmont. With around 100 botanical species, it is an open space dedicated to the knowledge of medicinal plants, local biodiversity and the recovery of traditional herbal wisdom. Yes, that very Miasino that looks like it fell off a postcard, with its quiet lanes and the church of San Rocco standing tall above the rooftops — as if to say: “even nature here likes to be admired from above”.
From Biblical Herb Garden to Giardino dei Semplici: a very Italian story
It all begins in 2009, when the Consorzio Pro Loco Lago d’Orta, backed by funds from the Interreg Italy-Switzerland 2007-2013 programme, decides to create the Orto della Bibbia — a Biblical Herb Garden. The idea? Fascinating and ever so slightly wishful: to plant the botanical species mentioned in the Scriptures. There was just one small snag — the Piedmontese climate is not exactly the Holy Land’s. But then, in Italy we do love to aim for the stars and sort out the landing later.
For five years, fuelled by grants and volunteers, the garden survived. Then, in 2014, came the cold shower: the Consorzio could no longer manage the project. It looked like the end — a classic “lower the curtain and go home” moment.
But no. In 2015 the Municipality of Miasino signed an agreement with the Istituto Agrario Fobelli di Crodo. Students and professor Giancarlo Fantini rolled up their sleeves: they cleared weeds, removed overgrown trees and rescued whatever could be saved. From the ruins of a failed biblical project, a garden of aromatic and medicinal herbs was born — one that would become one of the most authentic spots on Lake Orta.
Albert Husband: the guardian with a green thumb (and an enigmatic smile)
Picture a modern-day druid with expert hands and the patience of a medieval botanist. Albert Husband knows every plant by name, recounting its history and healing properties with disarming ease. Thanks to his passion, the Giardino dei Semplici has become a true biodiversity oasis, where around 100 medicinal species thrive under the Piedmontese sun — including a few that seemed to have taken a wrong turn on the map, only to decide they rather liked it here.
As Albert himself puts it: “Nature teaches us that there is always the possibility of rebirth.” Hard to argue with that.
A journey through scents and colours: the plants you wouldn’t expect
Walking along the well-kept paths, you sink into an atmosphere of quiet and harmony. The intense fragrances of lavender, rosemary, mint and sage fill the senses. Every plant is labelled with its botanical name and properties.
But the real stars are what I like to call the “brave” plants: those that, thanks to a truly special microclimate, survive Piedmontese winters as if it were nothing at all.
The most surprising species in the garden
- Myrtle — its fragrant leaves carry the scent of Mediterranean scrubland all the way into the mountains
- Caper — those flavourful buds would go straight into a luxury salad
- Helichrysum — golden flowers that look like tiny miniature suns (and they never seem to set)
- Manuka — all the way from New Zealand, it produces honey considered the ultimate health elixir
- Jujube, Echinacea, Liquorice — among the most distinctive species, prized both in herbal medicine and by curious visitors
For those wishing to explore the therapeutic properties of these plants further, Orto da Coltivare is an authoritative reference.
A place of peace, knowledge and — if you will — a little philosophy
The Giardino dei Semplici is not just a paradise for botany lovers. It is a place to genuinely slow down. Wooden benches invite you to rest, while educational panels illustrate the healing properties of the plants and the importance of biodiversity.
Albert points to a rue plant: “It used to be used to ward off demons,” he says with a laugh. “These days, perhaps, we need it to ward off a bit of stress.” Try arguing with that.
Extend your visit: things to do nearby
The Giardino dei Semplici pairs perfectly with other walking experiences in the area. From Miasino you can easily reach the Sentiero del Panorama, a path across the village rooftops with sweeping views of the lake, or the Anello Azzurro di Ameno, the trail that leads to harmony (and that is not just a metaphor). For the full range of local experiences, visit the official Giardino dei Semplici website.
Make it last: sleeping among the scents of Lake Orta
Leaving the garden, you carry with you a sense of calm that is hard to find anywhere else. In a frantic world where everything rushes forward, the Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino reminds us of the importance of slowing down, noticing the beauty around us and appreciating the gifts of nature.
If, after this stroll through the green, you feel the urge to extend the experience — and let’s be honest, you will — book a stay at B&B Seme di Faggio. A welcoming guesthouse just steps from the garden, where you can keep enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of Lake Orta. Nature is waiting — and so are we.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino
What is the Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino?
The Giardino dei Semplici is a botanical garden of medicinal and aromatic herbs located in Miasino, on Lake Orta (Piedmont). It is home to around 100 plant species and is open to the public as an educational and naturalistic space, managed in collaboration with the Istituto Agrario Fobelli di Crodo.
How do you get to the Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino?
The garden is in the village of Miasino, near the church of San Rocco, and can be reached by car or bicycle from the village centre. Miasino is about 5 minutes by car from Orta San Giulio, the main town on Lake Orta.
When is the Giardino dei Semplici open?
The garden is generally open to visitors in spring and summer. For up-to-date opening times and guided tours, check the official website giardinosemplici.it or contact the Municipality of Miasino.
What plants can you find in the Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino?
The garden hosts around 100 species of medicinal and aromatic herbs: lavender, rosemary, sage, mint, rue, echinacea, liquorice, jujube, helichrysum, caper, myrtle and even New Zealand manuka. Many plants are accompanied by labels showing their botanical name and healing properties.
What is a giardino dei semplici?
A “giardino dei semplici” is a historical term for a botanical garden dedicated to medicinal plants, called “semplici” (simples) in medieval herbal language because they were single-ingredient remedies. The tradition dates back to medieval monasteries and the earliest schools of medicine.
Where can you stay near the Giardino dei Semplici in Miasino?
Just steps away from the garden you will find B&B Seme di Faggio, a welcoming guesthouse in Miasino offering rooms with views of Lake Orta. It is the ideal base for exploring the garden and the trails of the surrounding area.
