In a short while, the whole hill was transformed in a small paradise of lemons, oranges, box trees and bay trees where the paths led to roses, jasmines, pears and pomegranates to great surprise of the visitors: Dionigi Somenzi wrote to Nicolò Sfondrati in 1858 “I will say this of the most magnificent and regal palace which you will find in the middle of the hill – …. perpetual and healthy water in the higher part of the mountain: beautiful gardens which delight themselves with the sweetness of cedars and orange trees; the whole hill ornate and covered with olive trees, figs and fruit trees of all sort and above all vines which produce quantities of generous wine?”.