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 A haven south of the Arno |
Piazza de` Pitti Florence Italy |
To escape the crowds and late summer heat on the Florentine tourist trail, head south of the river Arno to the calming and charming environs of the Boboli Gardens. This wonderful retreat was laid out by the Medici after they bought the Palazzo Pitti in 1549 and they were opened to the public in 1766. As well as formal gardens there are wilder groves of cypress and ilex and many fine statues. At the summit of the Forte di Belvedere there is an open area where you can sun yourself and relax whilst enjoying the stunning views of the city and Tuscan countryside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eugenia and Julian  |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
 Photo: Robin Taylor |
 Photo: Joe Yeager |
 Photo: Valentina Powers |
 Photo: Kerry Moorhouse |
 Photo: Christina Holland |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
 Photo: Kerry Moorhouse |
 Photo: Francesco |
 Photo: Pete Thompson |
 Photo: Jess Peters |
 Photo: Colin Wilson |
 Photo: Jessica Jensen |
 Photo: Amyesq |
 Photo: Marissa Hiruma |
 Photo: Nancy Metcalf |
 Photo: GeertVG |
 Photo: Darren Rungasamy |
 Photo: Peter and Mary Jo Dawe |
 Photo: janeyb |
 Photo: Stefan Hoogeveen |
 Photo: Steve Corlew |
 Photo: Nick Alvarado |
 Photo: batesy70 |
 Photo: Willem Schipper |
 Photo: Mary Anne Clark |
 Photo: Aurora M. Suarez |
 Photo: Olga Sawicka |
 Photo: Eithne O Hanlon |
 Photo: shelly |
 Photo: Conor Mc Nally |
 Photo: Suzanne Gailey |
 Photo: Craig Thomas |
 Photo: G. Tiao |
 Photo: Sarah Roos |
 Photo: Pedro Couto e Santos |
 Photo: Jo Copsey |
 Photo: The Olsens |
 Photo: Marg. Voulgaropoulou |
 Photo: Gonzatravel |
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6000 different kinds of plants! |
Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3 Florence 50121 Italy |
The creation of the Giardino dei Semplici or Botanical Gardens (Orto Botanico), was ordered by Cosimo I de'Medici in the mid 16th century and planned by Niccolo Tribolo. It was one of the first of its kind in the world. The Gardens were planted by famous botanists, one of whom, Pier Antonio Micheli, made additions in the following century. Today the collection comprises 6,000 plants of different kinds from all over the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karolina Krzyzanowska |
 Photo: Anne Welsh |
 Photo: Mark Lloyd Dobson |
 Photo: Maxime Bogaert |
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Florence's Protestant cemetery |
Piazzale Donatello, 38 Florence 50132 Italy +39 55 58 2608 |
This Protestant cemetery was built in 1828 in what was a quiet corner of the city. Today, however, the roads encircling the site have isolated the hill, and surrounded it by daily traffic. Some famous people are buried here, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the art historian Robert Davidson and Gian Pietro Vieusseux. It was closed in 1878, and another Protestant cemetery was built, the Cimitero degli Allori in Via Senese. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Giulia Fedel |
 Photo: Giulia Fedel |
 Photo: Matteo Oberti |
 Photo: paultrekker |
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Former Royal Garden |
Piazza Pitti, 1 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 265 1838 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
Inside this garden lies the Buontalenti grotto (1583-1593). Decorated with Mannerist-style scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, the grotto includes copies of Michelangelo's famous Slave series, the originals of which were transferred to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the 17th Century, the garden was extended as far as the Porta Romana, adding the Vasca d'Isola (pond) at the centre with a fountain and a statue of Neptune. In the late 18th century, Zanobi del Rosso built the Kaffehaus pavilion. Admission: EUR 6 and includes entry to the Museo delle Porcellane, Galleria del Costume, Museo degli Argenti and the Museo e Galleria Mozzi Bardini. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christian |
 Photo: Tony Ruscoe |
 Photo: Tony Ruscoe |
 Photo: Ricardo Aratani |
 Photo: Michael Merideth |
 Photo: Darren F. DeMonsi |
 Photo: Andrew (Haiying) Lao |
 Photo: Sjoerd van Oosten |
 Photo: Berlinoschka |
 Photo: Luca Porcu |
 Photo: Laura Klaassen |
 Photo: Mu-Yun TSENG |
 Photo: dianedundee |
 Photo: Francesco D. |
 Photo: Bex Sohn |
 Photo: Juan Melli |
 Photo: Carlo Ierna |
 Photo: DoronRok |
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 Photo: jennifer wyatt |
 Photo: Alessio Mariottini |
 Photo: Benjamin Gehlen |
 Photo: Amie Simon |
 Photo: Sofia Menconero |
 Photo: Mimosa Ceratti |
 Photo: geoal66 |
 Photo: Dana Buglione |
 Photo: Lapo Vitali |
 Photo: annika.click |
 Photo: Cindy Tomczyk |
 Photo: Enrico Maioli |
 Photo: Little Flower 1989 |
 Photo: Sofia Ådén |
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Beautiful glass pavilion |
Via Bolognese, 17 Via Vittorio Emanuele II , 4 Florence 50134 Italy +39 55 48 6743 |
Situated between Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Bolognese near the Ponte Rosso, these gardens created in 1859 are home to one of Florence's more unusual architectural treasures. Built by Giacomo Roster in 1879 for the Società Toscana di Orticoltura (the Tuscan Horticultural Society), this impressive steel and glass pavilion is used on a regular basis for gardening exhibitions. A modern fountain built in 1990 features in the pine tree-filled upper part of the gardens. Delightful. Tickets: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A hidden corner of the city |
Viale Ariosto, 16 Florence Italy +39 55 234 6654 |
This cemetery is located in a hidden corner of the city, just outside the San Frediano door. Built in 1777, it was in use up until 1870, when a new Jewish cemetery was built in Via Caciolle in the Rifredi quarter. Amongst the tombs there are three monumental chapels: two of these have a pyramid formation while the third seems to have been designed by the architect Treves, who also participated in the construction of the synagogue in Florence. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tommaso Baldovino |
 Handiwork of Michelangelo |
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini Florence, FI Italy +39 55 29 4883 |
The Medici Chapels are historical labors that are as grand in their own way as are the pyramids of Egypt. Started in 1605, these shrines were under construction for centuries. 85 years earlier Michelangelo was tasked to design and build the New Sacristy from one of the Medici cardinals Giulio de' Medici, (remembered in history as Pope Clement VII) dedicated to the memory of Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). The bodies of several other Medici family members are interred in the Cappelle Medicee, most notably Lorenzo the Magnificent, Giuliano de' Medici (his brother, killed during the Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478) and all of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Typical of a spiritual leader he was obsessed with the here-after and the creation of these intricate chapels testifies to that. Of artistic note are actual charcoal sketches by Michelangelo's own hand. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Noodlefish |
 Photo: Anuja Byotra |
 Photo: vanhoy |
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Enjoy the Tuscan countryside |
Strada dei Colli Alti Florence 50019 Italy |
Set high up in a beautiful spot overlooking the city, this park is ideal for family days out and the perfect antidote to city stress. Spend a lazy afternoon stretched out on the grass, go for a meander along its pathways or bring a picnic. Appreciated by Tuscan Resistance members who sought refuge here during the Second World War, the park is easy to get to: just follow Via Bolognese or Via dei Colli Alti near Colonnata (enjoy the view on the way up), which lead to Piazzale Leonardo da Vinci (595m). On a clear day the entire Arno valley is visible from here and a further two-hour walk takes you to Monte Morello's highest point of 934m. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Mendelsohn |
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Medici Villa |
Via di Castello, 47 Florence 50141 Italy |
The villa belonged to the Medici family and Cosimo, Florence's new Duke, began the work on renovating the grounds, he planned an Italian garden with geometric designs, Vasari made the Duke's dreams become reality. At the center of the garden on the Fountain of Hercules and Anteus was placed a marble composition by Bartolomeo Ammannati, which is undergoing restoration. There are two lakes in the garden, with stone sculptures of animals, which stand out amongst the water displays. Today, the villa is the home of the Accademia della Crusca (set up to preserve and to study the "correct" form of the Italian language in 1583 and transferred here in 1974), and is not accessible to the public. Admission includes a visit to the Villa Medicea La Petraia. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Florence's biggest public park |
Piazza Vittorio Veneto Florence 50123 Italy |
Spread over 118 hectares, this popular park is a favorite with joggers, horse riders and families with young children, especially on Tuesday mornings, when it is a market. Towards Piazza Vittorio Veneto on the park's east side is an open-air swimming pool (used during the summer months), while to the west is the park's amphitheatre, a popular summertime venue for dance performances and concerts. At the end of the 18th, century important buildings such as the Palazzina Reale, currently home to the Facoltà di Agraria dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze (School of Agriculture of the University of Florence) were added before the park finally became public at the start of the 19th century. Horse racing takes place not far from here at the Ippodromo delle Muline. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: FrancescoPasqualetti |
 Photo: FrancescoPasqualetti |
 Photo: Aldo Cavini Benedett |
 Photo: Roberta Lazzeri |
 Photo: Emanuele Noferini |
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Immense Florentine park |
Via Bolognese Florence 50036 Italy |
Nothing remains of the 16th-century Medicean villa built by Francesco I de' Medici. It was surrounded by an immense park, full of decorative buildings, including (towards the end of the 17th century) a repertory theatre ordered by Ferdinando de' Medici. However, with the passage of time, the villa was ruined, and it was demolished. The park was eventually reclaimed by Joseph Frietsch before being handed over to the Demidoff family in 1872. After having bought the Savoy property, they decided to construct a villa, which has remained standing to this day. All that remains of the re-named Medici estate which was famous for its wonderfully evocative scenery are a few building works carried out by Bernardo Buontalenti, who was responsible for the original project commissioned by Francesco I. The park, which now belongs to the Province of Florence, is a venue for cultural shows and exhibitions, and remains open from March until October. It includes a fine collection of sculptures. It is possible to book a free guided tour of the park in advance by calling the Centro Guido Tourismo on: +39 55 28 8448. Entry is prohibited to dogs. Admission: EUR3-4, free for children under 6 years; entrance free on Friday for school parties and senior citizens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris L |
 Photo: Luca Zappacosta |
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Public park of private villa |
Via Aldini, 10/12 Florence, Firenze Italy +39 55 580 2837 |
This public park was originally conceived as the private park of the neighbouring villa. It was designed by the architect Poggi for the Archinto family in 1839. The villa is now the headquarters of the International University of Arts, and is therefore off limits to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ArTéMiSià |
 Photo: Fulvia Zeuli |
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Egyptian and Hellenistic temples set in parkland |
Via F. Stibbert, 24 Florence 50138 Italy |
This beautiful open park belonged to the Stibbert family who owned the adjacent villa, now home to the Stibbert Museum. It was designed by Giuseppe Poggi in the Romantic style, in accordance with English tastes, and is spread out over three hectares. Distinctive features include an Egyptian temple facing a duck pond, as well as a Hellenistic temple beyond the lemon trees and the stables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alessio Paolillo |
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A 19th-century piazza with handsome gardens |
Piazza D'Azeglio Florence 50121 Italy |
This piazza was formed in the Mattonaia quarter of the city, inside the city walls, at the end of the 19th century as a result of the development plan devised by the architect Giuseppe Poggi in the 1870s. Once established, the bourgeoisie then considered the area both residential and desirable. The area then saw the creation of Prince Umberto's theatre. Sadly, though it was destroyed two decades later. Another building appeared on the piazza at the beginning of the 20th century but today, this remains one of the few green spaces in the city center. There are amusements for young children including a merry-go-round, slides and a wooden castle in a cordoned-off area; and there are also areas for older children such as a basketball court. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The tombs of famous Florentines |
Salita del Monte alle Croci Florence 50125 Italy |
This monumental cemetery was created in the second half of the 19th century, according to the taste of the time for revival architecture that employed neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance overtones. These styles have been used on the tombs of important Florentine citizens, even in recent times. Amongst the citizens buried here are Giovanni Spadolini, Carlo Lorenzini, Giovanni Papini and the stylist Enrico Coveri. The cemetery, which was designed by Mariano Falcini, extends all along the side of the Basilica of San Miniato, inside the building created for the Grand Duke in the 16th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Park with a neo-Gothic observatory |
Via de Serragli, 146 Florence 50124 Italy +39 55 22 5115 |
The Giardino Torrigiani extends from Viale Petrarca, with the old Arnolfi walls on each side, to Piazza Torquato Tasso. The gardens were designed in the 19th century by Luigi Cambrai-Digny but were finished by Baccani, who also designed the neo-Gothic style tower. Pio Fedi executed the group of neo-classical sculptures for Pietro Torrigiani. Please note that the garden is private and is only open on rare occasions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alexein74 |
 Splendid Medici villa |
Via della Petraia, 40 Florence 50141 Italy +39 55 45 1208 |
It was Ferdinando I de' Medici who commissioned the restructuring works to this castle, which belonged to the Brunelleschi family in the second half of the 16th Century. It seems more than likely that Buonalenti was placed in charge of the project. In 1648, Volterrano completed the frescoes on the walls of the inner courtyard, depicting the splendor of the Medici family. The courtyard was covered with an iron structure when the villa passed to the Savoy family, who then transformed it into a summer residence, introducing new furniture, including imperial pieces from other royal residences. The Italian gardens in front of the villa, complete with nurseries, greenhouses and pools, were designed in the 16th Century and partly modified in the 19th Century. To the rear are some beautiful English gardens designed by Fritsch. Many of the villa's rooms are open to visitors, including the lounge which the Savoy family equipped with parlor games. Guided tours are available at specific times. The gardens close one hour prior to the villa and tickets are also valid for entry to the park at the Villa Medicea di Castello. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: giosmarta |
 Photo: Antonio RUGGIERO |
 Photo: andrea natt |