Cisternino: Journey Among the Fruit Trees

Cisternino’s expansive fruit tree sanctuary offers visitors a unique chance to enjoy the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Traversing the 10-hectare grounds, guests can discover over 1,200 diverse fruit varieties, from historical citrus to an impressive fig collection. As they wander the aromatic lavender maze and participate in hands-on learning, they’ll gain insights into sustainable practices shaping Apulia’s future. With guided tours available in multiple languages, this verdant oasis beckons travelers to uncover its captivating blend of nature, culture, and discovery.

Key Points

• Guided tour of a 10-hectare organic fruit farm showcasing over 1,200 varieties of fruit trees, including historical Italian citrus and extensive fig collections.
• Offers a unique sensory experience through a lavender labyrinth, an outdoor teaching room, and a renowned Nagasaki Kaki (persimmon) tree.
• Immerses visitors in Apulian historical landscapes and highlights the region’s long tradition of citrus and fig cultivation.
• Demonstrates sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision irrigation, mulching, and composting, to minimize water consumption.
• Educates visitors on the farm’s commitment to biodiversity through its rare and climate-resistant plant species.

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Tour Overview

The guided tour of The Gardens of Pomona lasts approximately 2 hours and covers 10 hectares of organically cultivated fields featuring around 1,200 different varieties of fruit trees.

The entire experience, including the tour, lasts 4 hours. Visitors can explore this biodiversity haven in Italian, French, or English.

The gardens showcase Apulian historical landscapes, rare and climate-resistant plant collections, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Key attractions include historical Italian citrus, an extensive fig collection, an outdoor teaching room, a lavender labyrinth, and the Nagasaki Kaki.

Highlights and Sensory Experience

A journey into biodiversity awaits visitors, offering a unique sensory experience.

Explorers can enjoy the Apulian historical landscape, discovering diverse plant collections, including rare and climate-resistant species.

Key attractions include:

1. Historical Italian citrus varieties

2. Extensive fig collection with over 600 varieties

3. Outdoor teaching room for hands-on learning

4. Lavender labyrinth and the renowned Nagasaki Kaki (persimmon) tree

Throughout the experience, guests will learn about sustainable practices in food forests using permaculture systems and discuss water consumption in agriculture.

Exploring Apulian History

As visitors explore the Gardens of Pomona, they enjoy the rich Apulian historical landscape.

This region has a long tradition of agriculture, with citrus and fig cultivation dating back centuries. The tour highlights the historical significance of these iconic crops, showcasing rare Italian citrus varieties and an extensive fig collection of over 600 different types.

Guests learn about the evolution of these fruits and their role in Apulian culture and cuisine.

Beyond the orchards, the outdoor teaching room and lavender labyrinth provide insights into the area’s distinctive natural and agricultural heritage, fostering a deeper connection to this storied land.

Diverse Plant Collections

Beyond the historical significance, the Gardens of Pomona showcase a diverse array of plant collections that captivate visitors.

Highlights include:

1. An extensive fig collection boasting over 600 different varieties.

2. Rare and climate-resistant species that demonstrate the garden’s commitment to biodiversity.

3. The outdoor teaching room, where guests can learn about sustainable agriculture practices.

4. The impressive lavender labyrinth, a sensory delight that immerses visitors in the garden’s aromatic wonder.

These unique plant collections provide a captivating experience, inviting guests to explore the wonders of the natural world.

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Key Attractions

Visitors to the Gardens of Pomona can explore several key attractions that showcase the garden’s diverse offerings. These include the historical Italian citrus collection, an extensive fig assortment with over 600 varieties, and the outdoor teaching room.

Another highlight is the lavender labyrinth, which offers a calming sensory experience. Guests can also marvel at the Nagasaki Kaki, a unique and rare Japanese persimmon variety.

Throughout the tour, visitors can engage with the garden’s commitment to sustainability, learning about water-efficient agriculture and permaculture practices that preserve the region’s natural heritage.

Sustainability and Water Consumption

The Gardens of Pomona take a holistic approach to water management, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture.

During the tour, visitors learn about the farm’s strategies to conserve water:

1. Precision irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation.

2. Mulching techniques that retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.

3. Selection of drought-tolerant fruit varieties that thrive with limited water resources.

4. Composting and cover cropping to improve soil health and water-holding capacity.

These innovative methods demonstrate how the gardens prioritize water efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Booking and Cancellation

With flexible booking options, visitors can reserve their spot at the Gardens of Pomona without any upfront payment.

Visitors can reserve their spot at the Gardens of Pomona without any upfront payment thanks to flexible booking options.

The tour is priced from $13.06 per person. Guests can book now and pay later, with no need to prepay.

What’s more, the Gardens offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows for stress-free planning, as visitors can easily modify or cancel their plans if needed.

The flexible booking and generous cancellation policy make it easy for travelers to explore the Gardens’ diverse fruit tree collections and sustainable practices.

Visitor Preparation

Visitors meet at the Educational Farm Shop, the designated meeting point for the tour. From there, they’ll be well-prepared for their journey among the fruit trees.

The recommended attire includes:

1. Comfortable clothing to navigate the 10-hectare organic fields.

2. A sun hat to shield from the Apulian sun.

3. Sturdy, comfortable shoes for the 2-hour guided tour.

4. Excitement to experience the unique sensory exploration of the diverse plant collections, including rare and climate-resistant species.

The tour includes admission, a map of the Gardens, and the opportunity to taste ripe fruit directly from the trees.

Common Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture the vibrant scenery and unique plant collections throughout the Gardens of Pomona experience.

What Types of Fruit Tastings Are Included?

The tour includes tasting ripe fruit directly from the trees in the gardens. Visitors can sample a variety of fruits, including the extensive fig collection with over 600 different fig varieties.

Are Refreshments Available for Purchase On-Site?

Refreshments are available for purchase at the on-site Educational Farm Shop. Visitors can enjoy local products and drinks during their visit to The Gardens of Pomona.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. However, the educational farm shop on-site offers refreshments for purchase if desired. The tour itself does not include any provided food or drinks.

Are Pets Allowed to Accompany Visitors?

Pets are not allowed to accompany visitors on the guided tour of The Gardens of Pomona. The tour focuses on a unique sensory experience exploring the garden’s diverse plant collections, and the presence of pets could disrupt the educational atmosphere.

The Sum Up

Cisternino offers a captivating fruit tree journey, immersing visitors in a diverse landscape. Guided tours showcase over 1,200 fruit varieties, an aromatic lavender labyrinth, and outdoor learning. Visitors explore Apulian heritage, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. This 10-hectare attraction promises a sensory experience that highlights the region’s rich agricultural legacy. Booking is recommended, and visitors should come prepared to explore this unique agritourism destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: