Isola Polvese

In 1974, Polvese Island was officially declared a wildlife protection oasis, emphasizing its ecological significance and commitment to safeguarding its natural habitat.

[2][3] In the 17th century, the island went into a phase of decline: malaria and the humid climate forced the Olivetan monks to leave the monastery of Saint Anthony even before the occupation by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

This led to the slow decay of the fortress, following which numerous structures were destroyed, and Polvese Island, which by then had a small number of inhabitants, began to pass into the hands of various noble families.

[2][3] In 1959, the Island of Polvese's garden underwent a comprehensive redesign by Italian landscape architect Pietro Porcinai at the behest of Count Giannino Citterio.

The landing stage, characterized by a wooden horseshoe-shaped jetty, now incorporates willow-lined rows descending to the water's edge, replacing former flowerbeds, with the introduction of a herb garden as part of the new segmented layout.

The meadow encircling the pool and nymphs bears olive trees and large stone slabs from the former quarry, strategically used as sunbathing "drying racks."

[4] Additional features include changing rooms and water treatment facilities discreetly positioned beneath the embankment, accessible via a sandstone path.

[4] Since 1995, Polvese Island has been declared by the Province of Perugia as a "scientific-didactic park" dedicated to environmental education, didactic experimentation, scientific, naturalistic, and anthropological research.