Massignano reopens historic Il Crocifisso citrus garden

The historic citrus garden known as ‘Il Crocifisso’ has officially reopened to the public in Massignano, Marche. The restoration of the 17-hectare site was funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) specifically for historical parks and gardens.

The complex, which features roots dating back to the 1500s and took its current form in the 18th century, includes a historic residence, an 18th-century chapel, and a terraced citrus grove protected by monumental brick walls, arched niches, and dovecote towers. The site utilizes ancient water collection and distribution systems to maintain a microclimate that supports rare local citrus varieties.

Key botanical assets preserved at the site include the Limone Pane del Piceno, Sanguinello del Piceno, and Arancio Biondo del Piceno. The restoration aims to safeguard this local biodiversity while providing new cultural and touristic opportunities for the Piceno region.