A Closer Look at the Gardens of Florence

If you're a real garden enthusiast and like to find attractions that are off the beaten path, you'll be interested in the Torrigiani Garden in Florence. Located in the "Oltrarno" neighborhood, meaning it lies on the opposite side of the Arno River from the city center, but not too far on foot from the main sites, this lovely private garden is a sight to behold.

Many visitors and locals alike will easily overlook a stop here, but dozens of passerbys in this area near the outskirts of town, do peek inside the gated outside, wondering briefly what lies inside. Although open to the public, many people aren't aware of this fact, as there's no large sign or plaque stating the pertinent information. Most guidebooks will also leave it out, as it's just a block away from Florence's most famous and largest garden, Il Giardino di Boboli.

Some have described the Torrigiani Garden as "quirky" and "unique". It is a mix of styles and offers the visitor many things to see and experience...and then to come up with their own opinion. Designed by Luigi Cambrai-Digny in the 1800s, it mimics slightly the French gardens of the time, but also brings in plenty of ornamental Baroque elements. There are open cypress-lined walkways that lead to tree shaded paths with sculptures. In the center is one of the pieces which lends this garden its unique skyline...a neo-Gothic style tower, which resembles that of a stone castle. From some vantage points, it looks a bit like the tower is tilted (in case you don't want to go to Pisa to see a leaning tower, be sure to check this one out).

Just inside the main city walls coming in from Porta Romana, this garden extends from the large Viale (avenue) to Piazza Torquato. There is public parking available at the Porta Romana for those arriving via automobile, and this spot is also a hub for many public bus lines.

Although under private ownership, public openings are periodically held, and reservations can be made for private tours. Call for details.

• Address: Via de Serragli, 146
• Phone: +39 (0)55 225115
• Admission free

Just down the road from Piazza San Marco, and a few blocks outside the main busy center of the city of Florence is one of the the town's most beautiful gardens. The Orto Botanico di Firenze (Botanical Garden), also called the Giardino dei Semplici is an extensive collection of herbs, vegetation, trees, and plants. Containing over 9,000 varieties, this garden at a little over 2 hectacres is worth a visit.

Established in 1545 by Cosimo I of the Medici family who resided as Grand Duke of Tuscany at the time, the establishment is now maintained by the near University of Florence. Currently, it's headquarters for the Italian Botanical Society and they work in conjunction with the University to form the Institute of Botany.

Plenty of exotic plants exist here and it's a quiet refuge from the somewhat noisy city streets. Laid out in an open garden plan, this botanical garden also is home to a lovely greenhouse. Be sure to check out the many ancient trees, some planted as far back as the early 1700s, and the large collections of orchids and ferns.

Of course, visitors will experience different atmospheres depending on the season of their visit. As certain flowering plants, such as azaleas bloom during a couple specific months. But if you don't make it during the flowering season, don't worry, there are plenty of year-round varieties to capture your attention, from cactuses to carnivorous plants.

• Open 9am-1pm Mon-Fri
• Admission Fee around 3euro (varies)
• Entrance off Via Micheli, 3

The recently restored Bardini Garden has a remarkable view over Florence, and is home to a quiet, 4-hectare of park on a hillside next to the Arno River. Adjoining the famous Boboli Garden, this smaller, yet just as impressive garden contains terraces on the Montecuccoli hill with highly maintained grounds.

At the entrance is the Mozzi Villa, a true example of Victorian style. Enriched with fountains, sculptures, and mosaics, the entire grounds of this garden are a spectacular stop on the edges of a beautiful Renaissance city. Ascend the large stairway up the center of the hillside garden and enjoy the various flower varieties along the edges.

Those interested in botany and landscape will like the numerous trees, flowers and bushes on display, not to mention the meticulous arrangement of all the visual aspects.

Not only can one visit the exquisite garden, but there's also a villa, restaurant, and museum to enjoy. This is a great melting pot of various design styles from Baroque, Victorian, Medieval, all overlooking a city with Renaissance architecture.

• http://www.bardinipeyron.it/ab/
• Entrance off Via dei Bardi, 1 rosso (Piazza dei Mozzi), or from Boboli Garden
• Open 7days/week 8:15am to sunset
• Admission 5euro

Designed in 1865 by Giuseppe Poggi, the same architect that designed the famed lookout point, Piazzale Michangelo, the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) is a beautiful retreat just a short walk from the busy city center. Located on the left bank of the Arno River, and half way up the hillside to the Piazzale, the terraces of the garden offer quiet seating and great views over the rooftops of the city below.

Inspired by French gardens of the same time, this rose garden's layout displays various rose variety dotted on an open landscape with benches, and informational plaques. Rose types vary from modern varieties, ancient names, and cross species. Normally very quiet and not crowded, this nice small garden gives visitors a chance to relax and breathe after a busy day of sightseeing in the city.

Be sure to visit the Japanese garden towards the bottom of the rose terraces, where you'll find designs by the Koadai-Ji Temple in Kioto. Only open for 6 weeks every year, be sure to visit if you're in Florence in May or June. As the saying goes...take time to stop and smell the roses.

• Entrance off Viale Giuseppe Poggi 2, pedestrian entrance from the "Way of the Cross" stairway, just below Piazzale Michelangelo
• Open May 1 through June 15, everyday 8am-8pm
• Admission is free.

Offering more than 2,500 varieties of irises, the Iris Garden of Florence is a seasonal treat only open in the month of May. Seen around the city as an engraved coat of arms since 1251, the iris holds a special place in the hearts of Florentines. Not only a beautiful symbol of this strong city, it's also appreciated for its actual life of flora.

Displayed in a beautiful sloping hillside garden overlooking the river and hillside, one can spend a lovely afternoon milling about the peaceful space. Regularly artists can be seen painting on easels during the iris' short seasonal life span, and the crowds never seem overwhelming to a visitor here. Take your time visiting each row of the numerous varieties, reading the small informational signs along the way.

This colorful display of delicate flowers can make visitors of all ages smile with delight. Luminous colors from reds, oranges and yellows, to pinks, purples, and creams. Each variety boasts unqiue names and descriptions that are fun to learn about, and horticulturalists come from all over the world to experience this once-a-year event.

The entrance is free, although visitors can donate to the Italian Iris Society which hosts this annual garden and iris competition. At the closing of the garden, there is an awards ceremony which gives prizes to blooms based on color, shape, aroma, and health. For a visitor interested in botany or just plain beauty, the iris garden is a special treat.

Enter from southern end of Piazzale Michelangelo off Viale dei Colli

Open May 2-20, Mon-Fri: 10-12:30; 3-7, Sat-Sun 10-7


Florence's largest and most famous garden is unequivocally Il Giardino di Boboli (Boboli Garden). Created between 1550-1558, this landscape masterpiece was carried out by designer Niccolo Pericoli who was hired by the famous Florentine Medici family.

Adjoining the grand Pitti Palace, and situated in the "Oltrarno" area of the city (across river from the center), this expansive garden is a restful getaway from the bustling city streets and offers refuge amongst nature, fountains, sculptural art, and walkways. Be prepared to spend a bit of time exploring this garden as it expands 320,000 sq meters and never ceases to take a visitor's breath away with each turn.

Decorated walkways, small private paths covered with latticed arbors, sculptures galore hiding between trees and in pools, and even an amphitheater await you as you take a closer look into this gorgeous display of garden design. Don't miss visiting the famous Grotto ornamental stone building with various works of art inside, which is closer to the entrance on the southern end of the Palace. Plus, many photographer's favorite character to shoot is the funny Dwarf Morgant by sculptor Valerio Cigoli.

During the summers, the garden usually hosts a concert series on various stages and in the amphitheater, which is a very unique atmosphere to experience some of the best musical and theatrical performances in the world. Expect to spend a couple of hours here, and even more if you plan to visit the interior of the PItti Palace on the same visit.

Open November - February: 8:15 – 4:30
March: 8:15 – 5:30
April, May, September, October: 8:15 – 6:30
June, August: 8:15 – 7:30

Admission Fee: 6euro