Giardino Bardini

This is a stroll garden located on the side of a fairly steep hill. It is nicely laid out and includes both shady and sunny gardens. Although best visited in late spring, there is enough variety in planting areas to make for a pleasant visit during other times of the year (we visited in late August). Because of the steepness of the area, I recommend entering through the entrance on Costa San Giorgio so that you can enjoy the views of Florence from the top of the garden and avoid trying to enjoy the garden while climbing up hill.

(3.0/5)

What a find. We came out of the back of the Boboli passed Fort Belevedere and happened upon it by chance. The views of Florence and the Duomo are spectacular. The Wisteria Arbor is really something to behold. Have your climbing shoe on or with you. It's on the side of a steep hill. Worth the climb though.

(5.0/5)

This garden is quite hard to find. Entry is included with tickets for the adjacent Boboli Gardens. If you are approaching from the Boboli gardens head towards the Coffee House and and follow the gravel path to the east which eventually leads to a narrow cobbled lane and the garden entrance, there were no signs when we visited. This garden is much older than the Boboli garden and on a smaller scale. It started as an Orti Conclusus,an enclosed orchard garden created for the Mozzi family in the 1200s. It is situated on a steeply sloping elevated site with a series of terraces offering fine views over the City of Florece on the other side of the Arno to the north. There is a magnificent Wisteria covered pergola over the path descending from the Belvedere. We visited in April when it was at its most spectacular. Do spend some time in the Loggia and enjoy the view.

(4.0/5)

In contrast to Giardini Boboli it was in a far better state of maintenance, no doubt due to its recent renovation. The views over Florence were probably one of the most significant advantages of this garden,as well as the more up to date use of colour..flowering Hydrangeas down a long covered walk, and mixed perennials and shrubs on the lower paths descending down from the terrace and restaurant. In the spring it will probably look stunning with Camellias and evergreen Azaleas.

(4.0/5)