Pomona, Goddess of gardens and fruit orchards, found a home in the heart of Valle d’Itria, half way between the towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca, not far from the Adriatic Sea. The botanical conservatory I Giardini di Pomona, named after the Latin goddess, is a biodiversity haven hosting literally more than a thousand different ancient fruit varieties from all over the world and partially saved from extinction. The ten hectares covered by the conservatory are part of a fascinating landscape and are entirely run following organic methods, joining conservation purposes with low-impact tourism.

It was March 7, 1993 when I decided that I would dedicate my life to biodiversity conservation and that I would do it until I had strength. It was then that I set off and arrived in Valle d’Itria. Twenty-three years later, where there were brambles and collapsed walls, there are the Gardens dedicated to this beautiful goddess, Pomona. Today the ten hectares of the Conservatory, where the Panaché, Vernèa and Dottato structures are located (with the names of two varieties of Ficus carica), host fields of figs, 600 varieties, of pomegranates, citrus fruits and various fruit plants.