The gardens of Florence are a treasure trove of beauty and tranquility. Many people overlook the beautiful and historic gardens of Florence, despite all that is being done in Florence, , and wine. Take a break from the usual tourist path and pack a light lunch, a blanket and go for a walk to see the beautiful gardens.
Keep in mind, however, that Florence’s gardens are ideal for cooling off during the warmer months and can be enjoyed as a beautiful spot to walk in the cooler seasons.
These are our four favorite Florence gardens. Make sure to bring your camera!
Boboli Gardens
These gardens are essentially the backyard of the . They were a private area that Cosimo I de’Medici and Eleonora di Toledo used in the 16th century.Boboli is a word that exudes intrigue and playfulness. You will quickly notice why Florence’s most beloved garden is the Boboli Gardens, or Giardini di Boboli.
The Lorriane and Medici families built an outdoor museum with some of the most breathtaking views in their city as they built their collection over the years.
Today, the Porcelain Museum, Neptune’s Fountain and Viottolone Cypress Alley are some of the highlights found within the 11-acre estate.
Many gardens across Europe were inspired by the Boboli Garden design, including Versailles.
For more information on hours and tickets, visit Polo Museale’s site
Giardino Bardini
The stunning Bardini Gardens are located just below the Boboli Gardens. They have a rich history! The property, which covers 4 hectares, was redesigned by Giulio Mozzi in the 1700s with fountains and walls. The land was purchased by Stefano Bardini in 1913, an antique dealer who had previously owned it. He also added other renovations such as paths through the gardens.
The highlights include the Tunnel of Wisteria, Baroque Stairs, six fountains with mosaic treatment and Villa Bardini. It is located just above the Arno River, giving you the best close-up views of downtown–on Via dei Bardi 1.
The garden was reopened to the public after a major restoration in 2000. The ticket to Boboli includes entry, so you can visit both!
Rose Garden
Another treasure is the in Florence: The Rose Garden–Giardino delle Rose.
In 1865, the City of Florence asked Giuseppe Poggi for his design of the 2.5-acre Rose Garden. Poggi was inspired by French gardens. It was inspired by French gardens and has a more natural, rustic feel.
Keep an eye out for more than 350 rose varieties and the Japanese Shorai Oasis, which were gifted to Florence by Kyoto, its twin city.
The Jean Michel Folon art collection, which was donated by the French artist, is another unique feature. Folon’s widow donated the collection to Florence after his death. On permanent display are 10 bronze sculptures (outside) as well as 2 plaster sculptures (inside).
The views are stunning, especially in May when it is blooming. There is a great view of Florence and the Duomo. It’s a public park, so you can enter every day at no cost from 9am to sunset. It is located at Viale Giuseppe Poggi 2.
Stibbert Museum
Museo Stibbert or the Stibbert Museum is best known for its 57 rooms containing over 50,000 relics of Frederick Stibbert (from the 1800s). In his twenties, he was able to inherit enough money to not have to work. Instead, his work became a labor-of-love to transform his villa into a museum in Florence and the surrounding landscape into an English-style garden. You will find rare plants today, such as a Greek temple, an Egyptian Temple, a Pond, and a “lemon House” among others.
The museum’s lush, exotic garden is open to the public during set hours all year. It is an unusual treat to find the Stibbert Garden, as it is located outside of the city’s center at Via Federigo Stibbert 26,
