East Marlborough Township near Longwood in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Italian Water Garden

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 12, 2015

1. Italian Water Garden Marker

Inscription. Pierre du Pont, Longwood Gardens' founder, built this cool, shady fountain garden from 1925 to 1927. The basic layout of the garden is similar to one seen by Mr. and Mrs. du Pont at the Villa Gamberaia, near Florence, Italy, on their 1913 European trip.
Mr. du Pont was inspired by the Italian water garden and recreated the basic design, including a play on perspective. The two most distant corner pools are 14 feet longer than those nearer, creating the illusion that all four pools are identical in size. The 600 jets of water and a water staircase are his unique additions. Visit Longwood's Heritage Exhibit, located in the Peirce-du Pont House, to learn more about Mr. du Pont's design and construction of this magnificent garden.
Italian Water Garden, 1930.
(The fountains run continuously from mid-April to mid-October from 9:00 am until dusk.)

Erected by Longwood Gardens.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 39° 52.449′ N, 75° 40.212′ W. Marker is near Longwood, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. It is in East Marlborough Township. Marker can be reached from Longwood Road. Marker is on the grounds of Longwood Gardens. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square PA 19348, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Italian Water Garden (a few steps from this marker); Peirce's Woods (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Peirce's Woods (about 600 feet away); Peirce's Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Peirce - du Pont House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Open Air Theatre (approx. ¼ mile away); Flower Garden Walk (approx. ¼ mile away); American Elm (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longwood.

Also see . . . Longwood Gardens. (Submitted on August 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Italian Water Garden Marker at Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 12, 2015

2. Italian Water Garden Marker at Center

Atop the center stone post in this view, facing skyward.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 12, 2015

3. Italian Water Garden & Marker

The entire fountain complex alternates on and off every few minutes.

Italian Water Garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2021

4. Italian Water Garden

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 499 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 4. submitted on October 19, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.