PARKS in Florence

"BOBOLI"

The BOBOLI GARDENS were not to become famous until they became the property of the Medici family, who called in Niccolò Pericoli, known as Tribolo, to design them; this artist created a masterpiece of "landscape architecture" between 1550 and 1558. The park, which makes part of the Pitti Palace, was planned to occupy a scenographic setting on the slopes of the Boboli hill (covering 320.000 square metres) and also had access from the square. The park was enriched with many Mannerist inventions by Buontalenti (like the Grotta Grande), fountains and statues by Ammannati, Giambologna and Tacca and completed by Giulio and Alfonso Parigi (1631- 1656).The two architects, father and son, carried out the stone Amphitheatre, the unique setting for many celebrated theatrical performances, the cypress alley known as the "Viottolone" and the square and pool of Isolotto. The last additions, like the Coffeehouse (1774-76), the Lawn of the Columns (1776) and the Lemonary (1785), were installed by the Lorriane family. Pietro Leopoldo decided to open the garden to the public in 1776. The design of the Boboli Gardens was used as a basis for all the royal gardens in Europe, including Versailles.

Address: Piazza Pitti, 1
Phone: 055 2651816
Web Site: http://www.firenzemusei.it/00_english/boboli/index.html

"BARDINI GARDEN "

From Boboli garden, through Costa a San Giorgio, you can visit a recent restored Garden: Bardini Garden. If you don’t come from Boboli you can enter in Via de’ Bardi nr 1.

The Bardini Garden has an extraordinary view over Florence: its 4 hectares of park between the left bank of Arno river, the Montecuccoli hill and the medieval walls. The garden was originally a loom of the Mozzi Villa (which is still now at the entrance of the garden) in 1700 it was enlarged and enriched with fountains with mosaics. In 19th century the garden was enlarged again in Victorian style. Now, after many years disagreement for the inheritance and after the intervention of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, and after a five years restoration, the garden has again its original look and its original richness of plants: A large baroque flight of steps, six fountains with mosaics, all with rose borders. In the green theatre you can visit a bed of azaleas and also admire, camellias and many different flowers. In the agricultural part, there are fruit trees, a tunnel of wisteria and a collection of hydrangeas.

Address: Via dei Bardi, 1 rosso (Piazza dei Mozzi)
Web Site: http://www.bardinipeyron.it/sito_EN/bardini/index.htm

PARCO DELLE CASCINE

The first nucleus of the Isola Estate, known today as the Parco delle Cascine, was bought by Archduke Alessandro in the mid-1500's. The estate was subsequently expanded by Cosimo I. The park's present name derives from the farms on the estate, which were primarily dedicated to cattle raising (a cascina is a barn). Since the beginning of the 17th century the park has been dominated by a majestic tree-lined lane, first known as the Stradone dei Pini and subsequently as the Stradone del Re. Under Pietro Leopoldo the park was reorganized, with the addition of gardening facilities and a guardhouse. It was also opened to the public, but only for special events and Ascension Day. It was conceived of as an essentially wild area whose only fixed structure was a hunting lodge built by G. Manetti in 1786, where the Archduke and his family could stay. The following year, in occasion of Archduchess Maria Teresa's wedding, all the old buildings were demolished. In the second half of the 18th century Archduchess Elisa made the park public, thus giving the city a vast green area very different from the gardens within the courtyards of the city's palaces.The Archduchess also had a new entrance added to the park at Porta al Prato, where the Baluardo del Serpe was breached and a wide road avenue built to the Arno. At the same time, the street that paralleled the river was straightened and paved. In the 19th century the gardens of the Cascine were laid out in a romantic style, and looked very different than they do now. Also, in the course of the 19th century large areas of the park were transformed into sporting facilities, including racetracks.

Address: Parco delle Cascine
Opening Times: always open
Ticket: free

GIARDINO DELL'IRIS

The entrance to Florence's Iris Garden is located where Viale dei Colli opens into Piazzale Michelangelo. The garden has more than 2,500 varieties of the flower that has symbolized the city since 1251.

Address: entrance from Piazzale Michelangelo
Opening time: open from the 2nd of May to 20st of May (Monday-Friday: 10-12,30; 15-19. Week-End: 10-19)
Phone: 055 483112