Nestled among the majestic Rhaetian Alps, in the picturesque town of Grosio in the province of Sondrio, stands an architectural creation that immediately captures the imagination: the Rock Garden of Nicola di Cesare, or also known as Grosio’s Gaudì, whose style recalls that of the Catalan artist especially in Parc Guell and Casa Battlo.
This one-of-a-kind structure represents an extraordinary example of how passion and creativity can transform simple mountain terrain into a living work of art.
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The artist behind the masterpiece
The creator of this marvel is Nicola Di Cesare, a builder from Abruzzo born in 1950, who dedicated over four decades of his life to this extraordinary undertaking. What makes its story even more fascinating is that, when he began this project in 1981, Di Cesare was completely unfamiliar with the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, despite the striking stylistic similarities that led to the structure’s nickname.
The castle develops like an intricate vertical garden that climbs the mountain rock. A staircase of 207 steps winds through the work, leading visitors on a journey of discovery among hidden paths, mysterious caves and evocative arches. Every corner reveals a new surprise, creating an experience that continually changes with the changing light and seasons.
The true magic of this place also lies in its innovative approach to materials. Di Cesare has elevated the concept of recycling to an art form, transforming what others would consider waste into decorative elements of extraordinary beauty. Glass from broken bottles shine like gems in the polychrome mosaics, old car headlights illuminate hidden corners, and fragments of ceramic create intricate patterns on the walls. This philosophy of reuse anticipated current upcycling trends by decades.
A garden of love
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Among the most recurring decorative elements, the representations of hearts stand out, a continuous homage to Di Cesare’s love for his wife Domenica Lucia, affectionately called Menina. This love story spanning more than half a century is reflected in every corner of the garden, where personal messages, popular sayings and the artist’s thoughts are engraved on the parapets and steps, creating an intimate dialogue with visitors.

Integration with nature
The castle is not just an architectural structure, but a perfect example of how art can blend with the natural environment. Plants and flowers intertwine with mosaics and sculptures, creating a unique ecosystem where nature and human creativity coexist in perfect harmony. The seasons continuously transform the garden, offering ever new scenarios to visitors.
What started as a simple pastime – building a decorative wall – has transformed into a total work of art that continues to evolve.
How to visit the rock garden

Although the castle is private property, Di Cesare’s generosity allows visitors to explore this wonder upon request. To reach this corner of magic, you need to go to via Rovaschiera, in the heart of Grosio.
Information for the visit:
Entrance to the castle is free, there is a vase for any voluntary offerings to the owner
Please remember that this is private property: visitors are kindly invited to pay maximum attention during the visit and to respect the spaces and works present.