Nicola Di Cesare's Rocky Garden (the “Gaudí of Grosio”)
In Grosio, in Valtellina, there is a slightly crazy, slightly magical garden that does not resemble anything you would expect.
But above all, behind that garden lies a story worth knowing. The story of Nicola Di Cesare.
Everything begins with… an ugly wall
Nicola is a simple man, originally from Abruzzo, who arrived in Grosio many years ago. When he retired, as often happens, he found himself spending much more time at home. But instead of ending up on the couch arguing with his wife — as he himself laughs while recounting — he decided to take care of a rock wall behind his house that he just didn’t like.
That bare wall bothered him. So he began to fix it, to tile it, to decorate it with pieces of glass, broken plates, mirrors, objects found in the dump or thrown away. A project born by chance, somewhat to fill time, somewhat for beauty. But over time it became something much greater.
An artwork that has been growing for 40 years
Nicola has been working for over 40 years on his “rocky garden.” Every year he adds something: a small wall, a mosaic, a staircase, a new corner. All handmade, without drawings or plans, following only instinct and the desire to create.
The result? A path made of 207 steps, terraces, niches, and decorations in every corner. An incredible collage of shapes and colors. You can find everything: glass bottles, cups, hearts, broken ceramics, pipes, statues, shells. And all together… it works.
A passion that saved his life (and his marriage)
Nicola says it without beating around the bush: “If I hadn’t done this, I would have ruined my marriage.”
The garden has become his outlet, his happiness. It’s the way he has filled his time with something he likes, that stimulates him, and makes him proud.
And today? Today many call him the “Gaudí of Valtellina”. A bit jokingly, a bit out of respect. Because yes, what he has built truly evokes something artistic, spontaneous, and out of the ordinary, like the works of the famous Catalan architect.
A place to see, but with the right shoes
The garden is located at via Rovaschiera 48 in Grosio, right behind his house. Entrance is free, but Nicola always asks for one thing: respect. It’s his home, and even though he has decided to share it with everyone, he wants it to be treated with care.
Attention: the path has steps, narrow passages, and slopes. No high-heeled shoes, better to wear sneakers or light trekking shoes. It’s not a playground, but a true artisan work, made with love and effort.
Why visit
Because it’s different. Because it’s authentic. Because it tells a true story, that of a man who has transformed the boredom of retirement into a passion capable of amazing anyone.
And because, simply, it makes you want to start building something yourself.
Nicola has never wanted money to show what he has created.
He says that his reward is seeing people arrive, take a photo, stop, smile, and then leave a little happier. So if you pass by Grosio, stop by too. Take a look.
And perhaps thank him for having created, in great silence and without fuss, one of the most incredible things in Valtellina.
📌 Practical Info – Nicola Di Cesare's Rocky Garden (the “Gaudí of Grosio”)
📍 Where it is located
Via Rovaschiera 48, Grosio (SO) – Valtellina, Lombardy
🕒 Visiting hours:
⏤ Entrance always free
⏤ It is recommended to visit during the day to fully enjoy the colors and details
🎟️ Entrance:
Free – No reservation required
👟 What to wear:
- Comfortable shoes (better trekking or gym shoes)
- No high-heeled shoes: there are steps and some uneven sections
🚗 Parking:
- You can park for free in the center of Grosio
- From there, it is a 5–10 minute walk
🔁 Path:
- About 207 steps
- Narrow passages, slopes, and terraces
- Not suitable for people with reduced mobility
📸 Extra advice:
Bring your camera or smartphone: every corner is a photo opportunity to capture!
💬 Curiosity:
If you're lucky, you might even find Nicola working on some new decoration… and he’s always available to tell you his story!
