Within the first week of being abroad in Florence, I found myself stunned at each blade of grass I saw—a rare occurrence in such an urban city. I was always in search of a place where I could be surrounded by greenery with birds chirping; offering me an escape from the honking, shouting, and intensity of Florence. Throughout my time here, I did a little research and self-wandering to find my favorite places to flee to the freshness of nature. Here are five of the best places to find nature in the heart of Florence that I found.
Boboli Gardens
111 acres of land consisting of gravel pathways, hiking trails, fountains, and large fields of grass make up one of Florence’s well-known gardens, the Boboli Gardens. Originally designed and created for the Medici family, the gardens have had a huge influence on what a European garden should look like. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles were a copy of these influential gardens.
The entrance inside Pitti Palace is one place where your Uffizi Card can be put to use. Showing your card will let you skip the line as well as gain free entry to the gardens. You will be greeted by the flights of stairs leading up to a large fountain that offers a spectacular view of the Duomo and the city skyline. Large, wooded areas for hiking allow for a sporty take on the gardens. However, if you are not in the mood to work up a sweat pack a blanket so you can lay in the fields of grass as you soak up the sun. You will see friends picnicking together, people reading books, and couples sitting to take a break from the hills of the gardens.
There is so much to explore here, so I would recommend giving yourself a few hours to spend at Boboli.
Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125, Firenze
Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm (close depends on the time of year)
Ticket Price: Free entry with Uffizi Card, otherwise €10
Bardini Gardens
What was originally owned and designed by the Mozzi family was re-designed by Stefano Bardini, who eventually gave the official name to the gardens. The Bardini Gardens sit up on the tall hill of Montecuccoli just past the Ponte alle Grazie in the Oltrarno. This is another spot where the Uffizi Card comes in handy, so bring it with you to get in for free.
If you’ve heard about Bardini Gardens, you most likely know of the wisteria arch. The vibrant, fragrant purple flowers that bloom throughout Florence during the month of April are a staple in these gardens. You enter and walk up the stairs and hills until you are met with the long arch. The breathtaking walk-through allows you to soak in the natural color of the wisteria and smell the freshness of the blossoms.
Once you get through the arch, you can sit and take a break at the cafe, La Loggetta di Villa Bardini, as you take in the outstanding overlook of Florence. From here you’re able to see the Duomo, the Arno, the hills in the distance, and the movement of the city. The best time to visit the Bardini Gardens is during the month of April, when many things are just starting to bloom, and the wisteria are at their peak.
Via de’ Bardi, 1, 50125, Firenze, Italy
Hours: 10 am – 7:30 pm (closing time depending on sunlight/season)
Ticket Price: Free entry with Uffizi Card, otherwise €10
Season: Best to visit in April (Wisteria peak bloom)
Rose Gardens
The Rose Gardens lay just below Piazza Michelangelo and are much more than a bunch of rose bushes shoved into a garden. After Florence became the capital of Italy in 1865, Giuseppe Poggi was hired to create the gardens to offer a more pleasant view of the “other side of the river.”
The garden, delicately laid out with a winding path, allows you to experience the garden from all angles. White, pink, orange, red, purple, you name it; there is probably a rose bush with that color flower on it. However, it is not only roses in the garden; there are fountains, trees, and herbs and a traditional Japanese garden. The orange and lemon trees offer a beautiful vibrancy to the garden and, especially in April, a scent that can only be dreamed of or experienced firsthand. Specifically, the aroma of the orange blossoms offers an experience as if you have entered a perfumery.
These lovely scents provide a sense of aromatherapy you would normally have to pay to experience, so take advantage of the Rose Gardens when needing sensory stimulation!
Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 50125, Firenze, Italy
Everyday 10 am – 8 pm
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Orti Dipinti
One of Florence’s “hidden gems” is Orti Dipinti. The first of its kind in Florence, this community garden offers an alternative perspective on nature and plants, compared to the well-established tourist gardens. People frequent the garden to learn more about rare plants, get exposure to herbs and remedies, and view nature through a new lens. Giacomo, the founder of the garden offers a very knowledgeable lesson on how to use gardens, nature, and plants to better our way of life. You can ask your questions about plants or healing impacts that you may be looking for, and he will gladly give feedback.
Orti Dipinti is very hidden, so be on the lookout as you are passing the Four Seasons Hotel. It is just across the street. Keep walking to the back of the garden through the second arch, and you will find the place with all the herbs, plants, and tables to sit and chat at.
Borgo Pinti 76, 50123, Firenze, Italy
Mon – Fri 8 am – 12:30 pm
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Orto Botanico – il Giardino dei Semplici
Operated by the University of Firenze, the Botanical Garden is a great escape from urban Florence, and conveniently close to the SRISA campus. Giardino dei Semplici translates to “Garden of the Simples,” which explains the calmness behind the garden. Shaded by many trees, you will experience an oasis with breezes passing through as you meander. The fountains are topped with green leaves with flowers blooming all around.
The garden offers many places to stop and read a book, have a picnic, or just sit in the silence of nature. It is a great spot to head to before or after class to decompress for the day. Additionally, it is a university-owned garden, so there will probably be many Italian students your age hanging out in the garden, which is something you can’t get at any of the other gardens. The University allows visitors in for a small price, which helps with the upkeep and maintenance of the garden. Giardino dei Semplici is a solid option for you if you need quick exposure to nature.
Via Pier Antonio Micheli 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
Tues – Sun 10 am – 6 pm
Ticket Price: €6
Written by Spring 2024 Student Carmen Hoschka