Park Villa Gabrieli Travel Guide

Park Villa Gabrieli is a captivating blend of history and nature in the heart of Ovada. The park and its villa were created between 1910 and 1913 by architect Michele Oddini, commissioned by Attilio Odero as a residence for Dolores Gabrieli. Odero, a Genovese industrialist, intended the villa as a token of his affection for Gabrieli.Oddini, inspired by English Liberty-style architecture and gardens he had seen during his travels, designed the park with winding paths and diverse plantings. This "English garden" style creates a naturalistic feel, contrasting with more formal garden designs. The villa itself is an elegant example of Liberty architecture, with simple lines enhanced by floral details and bas-relief decorations.Over the years, Villa Gabrieli has had several owners, including the Scarsi family and CIELI, an electric company. It even served as administrative offices for ENEL after the nationalization of electricity in 1962. Eventually, the Municipality of Ovada acquired the property, opening the park to the public in 1978. Today, the park is adjacent to the Ovada hospital, with ongoing efforts to develop a therapeutic garden within its grounds. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll, admire the rare tree species, and appreciate the historical significance of this green space.