CATANI GARDENS
ROTUNDA
With its traditional appearance and leafy setting, this rotunda might look as though it has been here since the earliest days of the gardens. Here is the surprise: it was built as a bicentennial project in 1988. The surrounding
landscape has a much older story.
With its traditional appearance and leafy setting, this rotunda
might look as though it has been here since the earliest days
of the gardens. Here is the surprise: it was built as a bicentennial project in 1988. The surrounding landscape
has a much older story.
ABOUT
CATANI GARDENS ROTUNDA
The gardens are named after Carlo Catani, an Italian-born engineer whose work helped reshape St Kilda’s foreshore. This was a substantial undertaking involving land reclamation as well as garden design. Catani helped turn the shoreline into a carefully planned public landscape for walking, gathering and enjoying the bay.
A GARDEN WITH A LONGER STORY
The surrounding landscape has a much older history. Look at the arrangement of paths, lawns and palms. The setting reflects the ambition to create an attractive seaside promenade, with Mediterranean influences in its design. Much of what feels like an effortless coastal scene was deliberately planned and constructed.
GOOD TO KNOW
Catani did not work alone. Gardens curator George Robert Ashley collaborated with him and continued bringing the vision to completion after Catani died in 1918. The gardens were named in Catani’s honour in 1927. Decades later, the Captain Cook statue was moved from its original position to make room for the rotunda.
A QUIETER KIND OF LANDMARK
Take a moment here to notice how the structure frames the surrounding greenery. This is a good place to appreciate a quieter kind of landmark: a public space shaped by engineering, gardening and generations of people simply enjoying time outdoors. The rotunda is the newer chapter in a much longer landscape story.
Stunning bay views
Beautiful parkland and gardens
A popular spot for photos
A peace place to relax
COMPLETE STOP 7
BY ANSWERING THE QUESTION
Answer The Catani Gardens Rotunda Challenge
Look around the location and use what you discovered to answer the question below.
CONTINUE YOUR ST KILDA ADVENTURE
WALK TO STOP 8
THE ST KILDA SEA BATHS
Leave the Rotunda and follow the garden paths towards the waterfront
Once you reach the waterfront path, face the bay and t40urn left.
Walk along the public pedestrian route towards St Kilda pier and Sea Baths, keeping the water on your right.
Continue past the pier entrance without walking out onto the pier yet. You will return for your final stop.
Follow the beachfront promenade to the Sea Baths complex.
Stop on the beach side of the building, where you can see its towers and arched architectural features.
You have arrived at Stop 08. Open the St Kilda Sea Baths page to discover the story behind this famous St Kilda venue.
COMPLETE STOP 8 TO UNLOCK
A CLUE AND ONE SPECIAL REWARD
Visit the next location, answer the question and receive a reward and also a clue that will be used to unlock your Stop 10 final reward vault vouchers exclusive reward for your challenge.
Note: These clues will be put together to form a code word that will be used to unlock your final reward vault vouchers.
