Venice’s 19th-century Giardini Reali set to bloom with €5m makeover

The neglected Royal Gardens (Giardini Reali) behind St Marks Square in Venice are due to receive a makeover, starting this month. The park, which is surrounded by water, was created during the Napoleonic occupation of the city. It will be replanted and renovated by the Venice Gardens Foundation. The 5m project also calls for the restoration of the 19th-century pergola, Neo-Classical coffee house pavilion and greenhouse, as well as the historic drawbridge to St Marks Square. The gardens are due