Italian Gardens

The Italian Renaissance Gardens, or just the Italian Gardens, is a collection of statuary tucked away in the northeast corner of Congress Park. The centerpiece is the Triton Pool where the statues of Triton and Misenus, locally known as "Spit & Spat", launch streams of water at each other from opposite ends of the pool. Originally carved from Italian Carrara marble, they opened to the public in 1905. Nearby is the Palladian Circle, where two statues of Pan and two statues of maenads are arranged in a circle around a sundial. The sundial is the original while the statues are reproductions. In times past, this entire area was filled with flower beds and shrubbery, creating an isolated peaceful garden. Follow the path behind the Palladian Circle up to the top of the bluff and you will find a bit of local legend in the form of a large stone block - the "Devil's Chair". The lore, probably based on Christine Montroy's book 'Derby Girl', says it is a time portal to turn-of-the- century Saratoga. Filled with history, this area is worth a visit.

Interesting part of the park, tucked away in the corner. Sadly it was covered when we visited but happy to see they are protecting the history!