Terraces, Gates And Loggia In Italian Garden At Dropmore

The terraces, gates, and loggia in the Italian Garden at Dropmore were built in the 19th century. At the front of the garden, there is a stone balustrade with a central opening, flanked by four stone piers topped with vases on each end pier. The opening leads to a path bordered by hedges, which leads to a flight of stone steps with flanking walls that feature a pierced balustrade. To the left and right of the steps are terraces. On the left, the terrace leads to the entrance of the Pinetum, while on the right, it leads to a loggia. The entrance features square cement-rendered gate piers with inset panels on the sides and moulded caps. The fine 18th-century wrought iron gates, originally from Huntercombe Manor, are complemented by wrought iron side railings.

The loggia, built in the 19th century, is raised on steps, with flanking walls that end in pedestals topped with urns. It is three bays wide and one bay deep, with a façade that has three arches separated by marble Tuscan columns that project forward, each carrying its own piece of entablature. The loggia has a flat roof with a balustraded parapet. The side openings feature a Serlian motif, with the central arched opening supported by marble barley-sugar columns.

On the terrace, aligned with the flight of steps, there is another double flight of steps leading to a pond, whose wall is adorned with seven stone cupids in various poses. Behind the pond, there is a back wall with inset carved marble panels.