Discover the place
Villa d'Ayala in Valva
Villa d'Ayala, also known as the Villa di Delizie, was conceived as a country residence. Its gardens and historic building are among the best-known attractions of the Upper Sele Valley.
The 17-hectare park
Formal Italian gardens lead into woodland along paths decorated with statues, fountains and water features. Sculptures evoke mythological and allegorical figures such as Diana, Spring, Summer, Hercules, Painting and Sculpture. The open-air theatre is another distinctive feature of the park.
The villa's history
The Valva family began work on the estate in the late eighteenth century, and the d'Ayala family completed it in the nineteenth. During the Second World War, the villa was used as a field hospital and headquarters by German General Kesselring. After the Allied landing at Salerno it became a meeting point for Allied troops. The last d'Ayala left the property to the Order of Malta.
Planning a visit
The villa is in the municipality of Valva and can be combined with a walk through the historic centre and a wider trip through the Sele Valley. The gardens have hosted cultural events and guided visits; check current opening arrangements and event information with the managers before travelling.