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♥ April Showers Brought May Flowers to the Gardens of Florence! ♥
When planning a visit to Florence, there is so much to consider and choose from that visiting gardens may not be on your “short list”. Plus, visiting gardens when they’re actually open and at their peak blossoming best is definitely seasonal and a matter of timing.
It has only been in the past few months of spring that I have been able to visit several of these well-known giardini and what a delight it has been to visit these beautiful gardens in full bloom.
As you may know I absolutely love museums and historical sites, but a dose of Mother Nature is certainly always welcome. Please join me for several lovely meditative strolls and visits to four of the more famous gardens of Florence, all of which have sensational city views: the Boboli, Iris, Bardini and Rose Gardens.
Coincidentally all of these gardens happen to be on the Oltrarno (south side) of the Arno…
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“When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.”
– Minnie Aumonier
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♦ Giardino di Boboli
https://www.uffizi.it/en/boboli-garden
Location: Behind Pitti Palace
Entrance: Check website for details *
Probably the best known of Florence’s gardens and considered “the consummate Italian garden”, the Boboli Garden has the distinction of being referred to as an “open-air museum” and the “green lung” of Florence.
Located behind the Palazzo Pitti, the history of its 111+acres of lush garden evolved and literally grew over four centuries. Originally owned by Luca Pitti, in 1549 it was purchased by Eleanora di Toledo, wife of Duke Cosimo I de’Medici when Pitti Palace became the new residence for the Medici family.
Please wait for the slideshow…
A plan to substantially enlarge the gardens was immediately initiated and continued to be so over the centuries by the Medici and then the Lorraine families.
Let’s take a walk and enjoy the bucolic surroundings and some of the many idyllic attractions, shall we?
Please wait for the slideshow…
In addition to expanding the gardens, numerous splendid fountains and ponds as well as Roman and Renaissance statues lining wide and inviting paths and lanes enhance the luxurious landscape and design.
Please wait for the slideshow!
I didn’t explore everything but that’s just a reason to return, isn’t it?
Standing guard…the steps to the Meridian Building are flanked by two majestic lions in eternal vigilance…
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“Kiss of the sun for pardon. Song of the birds for mirth. You’re closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth.”
–Dorothy Frances Gurney
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♦ Giardino dell’Iris
www.societaitalianairis.com
* Opening days may vary but typically the garden is only open 20 days in May when the irises are at their peak.
Entrance: Free (donations are welcome)
Location: Piazzale Michelangelo
Symbol of Florence and on the Florentine coat of arms, the red fleur-dy-lis (lily), giglio or giaggiolo in Italian, is inspired by the white iris and can be found all over the city. So, it goes without saying that this garden is especially prized and symbolic.
The garden, approximately 2.5 hectares (approximately 6 acres), was created and opened in 1957 to host the annual International Iris Competition by the Società Italiana dell’Iris (The Italian Iris Society) held every May.
Situated among existing olive trees, the garden has pleasant paths lined with spectacular varieties of irises and with panoramic views of Florence. One area is set aside where the most beautiful iris hybrid for the year will be chosen.
There is something so captivating and irresistible about these vivacious flowers.
They seem to have personalities; some frilly and ruffled…some more reserved and majestic beauties but all always seem to be quite willing to pose and show off their vibrant colors.
Which is your favorite?
And to this delicate lavender and sensational vivid yellow…
⇓ Taking You There – Iris Garden Movies ⇓
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“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.”
– Ruth Stout
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♦ Giardino Bardini
www.villabardini.it
Location: Via dei Bardi 1/r
Entrance: Check website for schedule and updates *
This is another garden I have been wanting to visit for some time but my timing (and no thanks to COVID) didn’t come until a few weeks ago – finally! And with the wet spring we have been experiencing, I was correct in presuming the Bardini would be particularly verdant and colorful.
The Bardini Garden is actually several gardens, all part of a story and history dating back several generations and several hundred years (so what else is new?)… The property, which covers approximately four hectares (approximately 10 acres) envelops the recently restored Villa Bardini.
The Bardini features small grottos, gently ascending and stunning pathways, and staircases leading you through the grounds with wonderful displays of roses, camellias, hydrangeas and azaleas as well as charming water features and statuary.
Particularly appealing is the wisteria pergola and, although fading, with its lovely lingering scent, was definitely a showstopper.
There is also a fruit orchard, a few grape vines and a Limonaia (former Lemon House) which now hosts conferences.
Up up up, our reward for making our way to the top is the view from the Belvedere! The brochure boasts “an enchanting view” and indeed it is! (Views of Florence do tend to be scene stealers.)
The KaffeeHaus, conveniently located here makes for a perfect “rest stop”! It’s tempting to enjoy some refreshment and just sit and daydream (and why resist temptation?)
As I slowly descended along the wooded paths my perfect companions were the gentle breezes, faint trickling of water, and delightful birdsong. A perfect afternoon…
⇓ Taking You There – Bardini Garden Movies ⇓
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“A rose is a rose is a rose…”
– Gertrude Stein
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♦ Giardino delle Rose
https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/the-rose-garden-inflorence/
Location: A few minutes walk below Piazzale Michelangelo
Entrance: Free
Best time to visit: May and June although the view is always stunning!*
In 1865, Florence was designated to become the capital of Italy and, consequently, a huge city-wide redevelopment project was initiated. The chief architect was Giuseppe Poggi who designed Piazzale Michelangelo and created the Giardino delle Rose.
The land, which included a house and farm called San Francesco belonged Padri Filippini, was then re-landscaped with terraces, paths and walls to accommodate the new rose garden.
There are approximately 400 varieties of roses and an estimated 1200 plants including lemon trees and a Japanese garden.
Vibrant, fragrant, spectacular!
Adding to the charm of the Giardino are whimsical sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. Donated to the city by his widow, they were installed in 2011 and I personally think that, not only have they have found their perfect home, but they enjoy some of the best views of the city.
“L’Envoi” (Flight) – Jean-Michel Folon
“25eme Pensee” (25th Hour/Thought)- Jean-Michel Folon
The inviting stone benches along the paths offer a perfect and quite pleasant escape and quiet respite just minutes away from busy streets …
And the views…
⇓ Taking You There – Rose Garden Movies ⇓
MOVIE Rose Garden Terrace View
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Of course, this is not the definitive list of gardens in Florence. As is so often the case, behind the imposing gates and doors of palazzi, there are many private gardens. As you walk through the calles and vicos of any historical town in Italy, if you see an open gate or portal, be sure to sneak a peek!
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I would be remiss to not include the garden where I am staying here at Palazzo San Niccolo. It is truly lovely and such a welcome respite from the busy hubbub of the San Niccolo neighborhood here on the Oltrarno.
So, let’s sit a while and enjoy a cup of coffee or perhaps a glass of wine together, shall we?
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* NOTE: Dates/hours are all subject change based seasons as well as state/regional mandates due to COVID.
© All Photos are My Own
Additional Resources:
https://www.visitflorence.com/what-to-see-in-florence/gardens-in-florence.html
https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/the-rose-garden-inflorence/
https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-museums/boboli-gardens.html
https://www.florencewithguide.com/blog/florentine-iris-symbol/
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