More than a hundred years ago, some rich Indians in Argentina, the García-Naveira brothers, created in their native town in Galicia, Betanzos, one of the most unique, original and enigmatic gardens ever created in the entire 20th century and throughout Europe. An amalgamation of vegetation, materials, fountains, sculptures, tree-lined avenues, greenhouses, pavilions, grottoes, topiary of curious shapes, allegorical reliefs... full of messages yet to be deciphered and that has given rise to the most varied analogies and interpretations. El Pasatiempo suffered the relentless passage of time and only a small part has survived to this day, but it still continues to demonstrate the uniqueness of the place. This book takes a tour of its history, reconstructing its ancient configuration and splendor, also makes a Masonic reading of it and includes a personal selection of other bizarre gardens,
of unique gardens in the world, from the mythical Bomarzo, to the Palais Ideal of the postman Cheval with whom he was always compared, passing through the Quinta Regaleira, The Pools of Edward James, the Prospect Cottage of Derek Jarman, or the houses and gardens of Dalí or César Manrique. A series of artists have also visited Pasatiempo leaving us their particular impressions; Vari Caramés and his poetic photography of decadence, Robert Waters and his vivid representations of some of its iconic elements and Federico Granell who makes us a travel notebook around the world, illuminating some of those bizarre gardens. We wish a long life to the remains of the Pasatiempo, to that place that was created to amaze, educate and enlighten all its visitors, may it be placed in the place of the history of the garden that was
deserves and may continue to generate surprise and amazement for those who are to come.

Authors: Ignacio Somovilla Editor, with a prologue by Santiago Beruete and collaboration by Ángel Arcay. Illustrations: Robert Waters and Federico Granell
21x28.5cm
sewn rustic binding
160 pages