Lush green lungs in the heart of Florence, emblematic of a sophisticated culture of landscaping which originated with the Medici and the Boboli Gardens, the Italianate garden par excellence, the most famous in Florence, but certainly not the only one. Here, together with the renowned gardens of Palazzo Pitti, are others which should definitely not be missed.

BARDINI GARDEN

A monumental garden with incredible views over the city. Iconic features are the majestic baroque staircase and the lush wisteria pergola that blooms from March to May, filling the air with intoxicating scent. There are also two grottoes, various fountains and statues, and many types of flowering plants and fruit trees.

Entrance from via de’ Bardi 1r or Costa San Giorgio 2 (Oltrarno)

Open year round from 8.15am to 6.30pm, closed on first and last Monday of the month).

ROSE GARDEN

Hundreds of species of plants and 350 varieties of old roses spread over a hectare of French-style terraced land, just below Piazzale Michelangelo, with which it shares an equally beautiful view. Making it even more unique, are a Japanese Shorai oasis and works by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon.

Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2

Open every day year round (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) from 9.00 to sunset

TORRIGIANI GARDEN

Situated in the Oltrarno district, the 7 hectare Torrigiani Garden is Europe’s largest private garden within city boundaries. In the 19^th century it was embellished with a 40m high tower created as an astronomical observatory. Already famous in the 16th century, its Botanical Garden with greenhouses, lemon houses and tepidariums, is now accessible together with the rest of the garden, through guided tours by appointment only.  Located at Via Gusciana 21 is Serre Torrigiani, a bistrot for al fresco lunches, aperitifs and dinners.

Via dei Serragli, 144 

By appointment

GIARDINO DELL’ORTICULTURA

The most impressive feature is undoubtedly the Roster Tepidarium, a splendid Liberty-style greenhouse, but also worth seeing are the Renaissance-style loggia and the Orti del Parnaso, set on a slope with a wonderful view of the city, with its unusual fountain in the shape of a serpent (or dragon).

Entrance from Via Vittorio Emanuele II 4, via Bolognese 17 or via Trento 11 (entrance to Orti del Parnaso) 

Always open