Florence offers a variety of splendid gardens, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. From historic gardens that tell centuries of history to parks perfect for admiring a variety of green spaces, there’s plenty to explore.
Here is a guide to the most beautiful gardens in the city, with information on visiting hours, costs and main features.
Historic Gardens
Boboli Garden
One of Florence’s most famous and ancient gardens, the Boboli Garden, is located behind Palazzo Pitti. Created in the 16th century by Eleonora di Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici, it’s a perfect example of an Italian-style garden with tree-lined avenues, statues, fountains, and grottos. Notable features include Buontalenti’s Grotto and the Amphitheatre, where theatrical performances were once held. The garden also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily with varying hours depending on the season. Closed on the first and last Monday of the month.
- Cost: €10 for a full ticket. Free for those under 18.
Bardini Garden
Located on the hills overlooking Florence, the Bardini Garden can be visited with the same ticket as Boboli. This garden offers a mix of styles: Italian-style garden with terraces and stairs, and an Anglo-Chinese garden with winding paths. The highlight of the Bardini Gardens is the panoramic view of the city and the wisteria pergola that blooms in spring, creating a stunning floral tunnel.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily with varying hours depending on the season. Closed on the first and last Monday of the month.
- Cost: €10 for a full ticket; free for those under 18.
Rose Garden
Rose Garden The Rose Garden, located a few steps from Piazzale Michelangelo, is a tranquil and romantic place, perfect for a stroll. Created in 1865, the garden hosts over 350 varieties of roses, along with numerous rare plants and a collection of sculptures by French artist Jean-Michel Folon. The view of the city from here is simply breathtaking, especially at sunset.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am until sunset.
- Cost: Free entry.
Villa Gamberaia Garden
A few kilometers from the center of Florence, on the hills of Settignano, lies the Villa Gamberaia Garden, one of the finest examples of formal Italian gardens. The villa and garden date back to the 14th century and offer a combination of architecture and landscape that creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The garden is known for its parterres of hedges and flowers, the lemon house, and the charming nymphaeum.
- Visiting Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with earlier closing during winter.
- Cost: €15 for a full ticket; €10 for residents of Florence.
Villa Castello Garden – Medici villa
Located just outside the center of Florence, the Villa Medici Castello Garden is one of the most representative examples of an Italian garden. Designed by Niccolò Tribolo for the Medici family, this garden is famous for its geometric layout and monumental fountains, such as the January Fountain by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
The garden also preserves a collection of rare citrus trees, cultivated in large pots adorning the terraces.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Hours may vary during winter.
- Cost: Free entry.
Villa della Petraia Garden – Medici villa
Located on the hills of Florence, Villa La Petraia is one of the most beautiful Medici residences, famous not only for its elegant architecture but also for its magnificent garden. The villa, which dates back to the 14th century, was acquired by the Medici family in 1530 and later transformed into a stately residence with an Italian garden that is now considered one of the best examples of this style. The Villa La Petraia Garden is arranged on three main terraces, each offering a wide panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding countryside. The garden provides access to the villa, which features truly spectacular frescoes!
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Hours may vary during winter, with early closure around 4:30 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
Pratolino Park (Villa Demidoff)
About 15 km from Florence, on the hills of Vaglia, lies Pratolino Park, one of the largest and most fascinating historic gardens in Tuscany. The park, which surrounds Villa Demidoff, is famous for the colossal statue of the Apennine Colossus by Giambologna.
In addition to this attraction, the park offers vast green spaces, woods, and trails ideal for family walks.It is a perfect place for a day trip with children, immersed in nature and history.
- Visiting Hours: Open from April to October, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
Botanical and Naturalistic Gardens
Giardino dei Semplici
The Giardino dei Semplici, part of the Museum of Natural History in Florence, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, founded in 1545. It houses a vast collection of medicinal, exotic, and rare plants, along with greenhouses containing tropical species. The garden is a fascinating place for those who love botany and nature, offering an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
- Visiting Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Cost: €6 for a full ticket; €3 for children aged 6 to 14.
Villa Peyron Garden
This garden, located in Fiesole, offers a unique experience thanks to its panoramic position and terraced structure. Villa Peyron is surrounded by a forest, with paths leading to fountains, statues, and a breathtaking view of Florence. The garden is perfect for a relaxing walk, immersed in natural and architectural beauty.
- Visiting Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Cost: €10 for a full ticket; €7 for children aged 6 to 14..
Private Gardens
Torrigiani Garden
Torrigiani Garden is one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. This vast English-style garden, located in the San Frediano district, is the largest private garden within city walls in Europe. Created in the 19th century, it is an enchanted place, rich in exotic plants, neoclassical statues, an astronomical observatory, and even a medieval tower. It is a perfect example of a romantic garden, with winding paths inviting discovery and meditation.
Visiting Hours: Accessible by reservation only.
Corsini al Prato Garden
Corsini al Prato Garden is another splendid historic garden in Florence, belonging to the Corsini family. In addition to its meticulously curated parterres, the garden is known for hosting the annual “Artigianato e Palazzo” exhibition, an event dedicated to high-quality craftsmanship. The garden is adorned with statues and fountains, and there are centuries-old trees that make it an oasis of peace in the heart of the city.
Visiting Hours: Generally open only during special events like “Artigianato e Palazzo,” otherwise visitable by reservation.
Villa la Pietra Garden
Villa La Pietra, located on the hills of Florence, is famous for its magnificent Renaissance gardens. In addition to the architectural beauty of the villa, the gardens offer panoramic views of the city and are divided into several green “rooms,” each with its atmosphere. The main features include geometric hedges, fountains, and classical sculptures that adorn the garden paths.
- Visiting Hours: Open by reservation, mainly during special events organized by New York University, which manages the villa.
- Cost: Prices for guided tours vary; generally, the cost is around €15-20.
Conclusion
Florence is a city that surprises not only with its monuments and museums but also with its historic gardens, offering a refuge of peace and beauty. Whether strolling through the architectural wonders of the Boboli Gardens or discovering the secret corners of the Torrigiani Garden, every green space tells a part of Florence’s rich history. Plan your visit based on the indicated hours and costs to make the most of the experience in these paradisiacal spots, and ask us if you need more information.