Tours of gardens of Florence – Boboli, Bardini and More
Gardens remain deeply symbolic in our imagination as secret places containing subtle hues of the gardens of Eden. Holding an even deeper meaning through those who owned, created and designed these spaces. Gardens are home to many stories and sentiments. Specific significances arise from the knowledge and mysterious esoteric meanings that exist within these gardens.
In the 15th century, the Tuscan city-state of Florence became the artistic and cultural centre of the Renaissance, with it, the golden age of gardening. This led to gardens being perceived as a painting or a sculpture, producing the most magnificent and extraordinary creations. They represented an intentional, profound artistic expression as well as that of power, wealth and pleasure.
This tour is a celebration of nature, a retracing of the steps of so many who appreciate divine, natural and manmade beauty in the open air and under the Florentine sky. Encompassing art, sculpture and history, all admired through the monumental gardens, churches and breath-taking views. A memorable experience exploring the gorgeous gardens in the surrounding Florentine hills of the ‘Oltrarno’.
What we will do on this tour:
- We begin by visiting Boboli: the Medici’s power and greatness shown through the monumental 16th century gardens, decorated by their grid-like formality, statues, fountains and grottos.
- We continue to the Bardini Gardens: created by Stefano Bardini, also known as ‘the prince of antiquarians’. The gardens were his showroom for his aristocratic and wealthy customers. (A bonus of visiting in April is witnessing the wonderful wisteria bloom)
- Stroll through and take in the atmospheric, scenic neighbourhood of San Niccolò.
- We then walk uphill to the church of San Miniato al Monte. In the 13th century, the powerful guild of Calimala sponsored this millenary, romanesque basilica. It was built according to the laws of the stars; we will find out more about these secrets.
- We end at the Piazzale Michelangelo: to breathe in the beauty that we have experienced on our walk, with spectacular scenery and unimaginable views of Florence.
*Note: 20 minutes of uphill walking is required to reach San Miniato. (After seeing the gardens, a transfer by local taxi or bus could be an option).