Florence is in bloom! Here we show you three fabulous gardens to visit in Florence during Spring.
Bardini Garden with its vibrant wisteria pergola and breathtaking views of the city, the scenic Rose Gardens with its fragrant varieties of roses and statues by contemporary artist Folon, and the unique Iris Garden that best embodies the spirit of Florence.
Contents
3 Florence Gardens to Visit in Spring
1. BARDINI GARDENS, Wisteria and City Views
Let’s start with Bardini Garden, that in April shows off a fabulously rich wisteria pergola. The wisteria frames the Cathedral’s dome perfectly, offering gorgeous photo opportunities. So if you’re looking for the perfect shot of Florence in Spring, there’s no doubt that this is the right spot.
Until a few years ago Palazzo Bardini and its gardens were almost unknown to tourists, but thanks to uncountable Instagram photos it’s now a real VIP, so you won’t be alone trying to capture the essence of Florentine wisteria!
* My Secret Florence: Hidden Gems in the City of the Renaissance
WHERE IT IS – It’s an historic garden and the position is magnificent, in the Oltrarno – halfway between the Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo. Views, check. Old world atmosphere, impossibly romantic views. Main entrance is from Costa San Giorgio, 2. Ticket costs 10 Euro (you don’t need to buy it in advance).
2. ROSE GARDEN, Perfect to Visit in May
Come May, a walk around Florence needs to include the Rose Garden. It’s free, it’s scenic and has hundreds of varieties of roses that are in full bloom. This terraced garden is beautifully laid out below Piazzale Michelangelo, the panoramic terrace that overlooks Florence. From here you can experience one of the most exceptional panoramas of the city.
But roses and views are not the only draw points. Belgian sculptor Folon has left eleven statues among the plants. From the cat sleeping peacefully among the flowers, to the the empty frame of a suitcase beautifully filled with Florence’s view.
Very popular with locals and visitors, go early in the morning to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet!
Check out the Top Things to Do in Florence during May.
WHERE IT IS – The entrance is from Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2 – just below Piazzale Michelangelo. Entrance is free.
3. IRIS GARDEN, Thousands of Irises at Piazzale Michelangelo
This is the kind of garden that’s both rare and special, so if you visit Florence in May don’t miss to spend a couple of hours exploring it.
Located near Piazzale Michelangelo, this is perhaps the most famous iris garden in Europe, open only for a month (late April to May) during blooming season. It features over 1,500 varieties of irises and hosts an annual international competition for the best iris hybrids.
DID YOU KNOW? The iris is the very flower that became Florence’s symbol (in Italian it’s called ‘giglio di Firenze‘, because it was mistaken for a ‘giglio‘, or lily). You see the stylised iris everywhere around the city – from historic statues (check out the lion holding the Florentine coat of arm with the design of the red flower outside Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza Signoria) to the symbols on taxi cars and the Comune di Firenze’s logo.
WHERE IT IS – The entrance is from Piazzale Michelangelo (on the corner with Viale dei Poggi). The Iris garden is open every year from 25th April to 20th May. Entrance is free. The iris has an Italian Association dedicated to it!
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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