Villa Grock – a 50-room house - and its gardens were built in the 1920s in Imperia, by Grock, born Charles Adrien Wettach, who was a Swiss clown, composer and musician, called "the king of clowns" and "the greatest of Europe's clowns".
The project by engineer Armando Brignole was based on the idea by Grock himself and reflects a dense liberty style, clownish, like its author.
Outside the villa, the 11,000 sq m park has a lake-pool with a low bridge connected to an island and a small temple. Grock built the villa in order to spend his holidays between a tour and the next, but over time, it became his permanent residence.
After restoration, completed in 2006, the beauty, charm, and mystery of this villa and park are back to its glory.
The villa opened to the public in January 2010. Renovation of the house's floors respecting their original characteristics brought back their splendor and sophisticated opulence.
The many architectonic details - lampposts, columns, decorations, balustrades, frescoes - linked to the circus life earned the villa the name of “Stone Circus”; influenced by Art Nouveau, but undeniably also by contemporary artists such as Dali, Picasso and Gaudi, the villa reveals an "Eastern Eclectic" style as well.
Complete restoration of the garden - flora and facilities - gives back the same atmosphere originally designed by Grock . The park reflects a heritage typical of historic gardens which earned it a spot in the Great Italian Gardens network.
Well-marked paths, columns, arches, unique decorations, fountains, and a pond with its bridge, form a fabulous scenery.
As Grock himself led the design carried out by Armando Brignole, the park is quite original, self-expression of an extraordinary, playful, and creative personality.
Deborah Bellotti
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