If you love the scent of blooming flowers, walking under centuries-old trees, and wandering through enchanted gardens filled with citrus groves and monumental fountains, this tour is for you.
We’ll explore two stunning green oases in the heart of Florence: Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens. Both are places of extraordinary beauty, rich in history, art, and breathtaking views.
Boboli Gardens: The Medici’s Masterpiece
More than just a garden, Boboli is an open-air museum, a masterpiece of Italian garden design. This grand park, located behind Palazzo Pitti, was commissioned in the 16th century by Eleonora di Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici.
When the duchess purchased the palace in 1549, there was no garden—just a stone quarry and a natural spring. It was the brilliant garden architect Niccolò Tribolo who designed the first layout, originally conceived as an agricultural park. Over the centuries, Boboli evolved into a monumental Italian-style garden, serving as a model for some of Europe’s greatest gardens, including Versailles.
A garden full of history and symbolism
As we walk through Boboli’s grand avenues, we’ll discover monumental fountains, classical statues, and enchanting grottoes, all set within a rich botanical landscape. One of its most fascinating features is the extraordinary collection of citrus trees, with over 500 plants grown in terracotta pots.
For the Medici, citrus trees were not just prized for their medicinal properties; they also held a deep symbolic meaning. Their round shape evoked the six spheres of the Medici family crest, reinforcing their power and prestige.
Following a special path through Boboli, we’ll exit near Forte Belvedere, a grand fortress built by the Medici as a secure retreat in times of crisis. From here, we’ll walk alongside a surviving stretch of Florence’s medieval walls, stepping into the past as we make our way to the second garden on our itinerary.
Bardini Gardens: A View to Remember
Less famous but equally enchanting, Bardini Gardens is a hidden treasure with a unique charm. It takes its name from Stefano Bardini, a renowned Florentine antiquarian of the early 20th century, who meticulously restored the garden with great passion.
Thanks to a careful restoration, Bardini Gardens has been returned to its original splendor. Strolling through fountains, sculptures, and panoramic terraces, we’ll reach its stunning loggia, where we’ll take in one of the most spectacular views of Florence.
And if we visit at the right time of year, we’ll witness one of the garden’s most magical sights: the famous wisteria tunnel. This breathtaking archway, covered in cascading purple blossoms, illuminates the garden and creates a dreamlike view visible even from the Arno River.
An unforgettable experience that blends nature, art, and history, making this one of the most charming walks in Florence.