Gardens, Park and Estate of the Castle of Agliè (1624–1940): From Formal Layout to Landscape Design, written by authors Paolo Cornaglia and Marco Ferrari, is a remarkable scholarly contribution to the study of historical gardens and landscape architecture. Published by Leo S. Olschki as volume 59 in the respected Giardini e paesaggio series, this book offers an in-depth exploration of the evolution of one of Piedmont’s most iconic royal residences in Italy.

The Castle of Agliè holds a special place among the Royal Residences of Savoy, not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its surrounding gardens and vast estate. This meticulously edited volume traces the transformation of these grounds over more than three centuries, highlighting how changing tastes and political circumstances shaped the estate’s visual and spatial identity.

From the rigorously geometric parterres and terraces of the seventeenth century to the French-inspired layouts of the eighteenth century, and finally to the more naturalistic, picturesque designs of the nineteenth century, each phase of Agliè’s gardens is analysed with exceptional care. The editors succeed in presenting this complex history as a seamless continuum rather than a series of disconnected events.

The book stands out for its superb visual documentation, featuring 131 figures within the text and 48 full-page colour plates that vividly illustrate rare plans, archival drawings, and contemporary photographs. This wealth of images enables the reader to appreciate the subtle transitions from formality to informality, from axial perspectives to sinuous pathways and scenic vistas.

Cornaglia and Ferrari also contextualise the gardens within broader European trends in landscape design, making this work valuable not only to Italian garden historians but to anyone interested in the development of aristocratic estates across Europe. The clear structure and detailed appendices further enhance its usefulness as a reference for researchers and conservationists alike.

In conclusion, this book is more than a monograph about a single residence: it is a testament to the enduring dialogue between architecture, nature, and cultural identity. For scholars, landscape architects, and heritage enthusiasts, Gardens, Park and Estate of the Castle of Agliè is an indispensable resource that celebrates and preserves the living memory of a truly unique historical landscape.