Those who have found a luxury villa in Florence will have no shortage of museums, famous works of art, architectural gems, incredible palaces, stunning churches, historic attractions, and more to visit and, while these are all truly fascinating must-sees, we also recommend delving into the beautiful outdoor spaces that also exist in Florence. We have often mentioned the famous gardens of Florence, many of which are holdovers from the time in which nobles with incredible townhouses featuring extravagant grounds filled with flowers, statues, grottoes, fountains, and more ruled over the city and great swathes of Tuscany but there are also some parks that were specifically created as urban spaces for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. One particularly lovely example of this latter type of garden in Florence is the Giardino delle Rose, or Rose Garden.
Located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, the position of the Giardino delle Rose means that it boasts a rather impressive and lovely panorama over the city. Created in 1865 by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi (who had also designed the Piazzale above), in the year that the capital of Italy had been moved from Turin to Florence, as part of a commission by the municipality of Florence to develop the left bank of the Arno River, the garden was designed as an attractive outdoor space that would befit the new capital city. About 1 hectare in size, the space was once part of the Podere San Francesco (San Francesco farm), which was the property of the order of the Oratorian Fathers. It was then redesigned and transformed into a terraced garden by Attilio Pucci and it was under his guidance that a rose collection was first planted and established.
Located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, the position of the Giardino delle Rose means that it boasts a rather impressive and lovely panorama over the city. Created in 1865 by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi (who had also designed the Piazzale above), in the year that the capital of Italy had been moved from Turin to Florence, as part of a commission by the municipality of Florence to develop the left bank of the Arno River, the garden was designed as an attractive outdoor space that would befit the new capital city. About 1 hectare in size, the space was once part of the Podere San Francesco (San Francesco farm), which was the property of the order of the Oratorian Fathers. It was then redesigned and transformed into a terraced garden by Attilio Pucci and it was under his guidance that a rose collection was first planted and established.
Today, it is home to an astonishing 1200 botanical varieties and a whopping 400 different species of roses. Built according to the French model of garden design, this bucolic little slice of paradise is a perfect space in which to escape momentarily from the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy the majesty of its stunning natural surroundings, as well as those amazing views from the slopes of the Monte alle Croci over the Arno and the central historic district of Florence. Worth noting, as well, is the advanced irrigation system and the pipeline that carries water up to various sections and outlets in the garden that this incredibly designed space boasts and which keeps it so lush and green.
In 1895, the garden was officially opened to the public for the first time during the Arts and Flowers Festival, an event that was held in the city every May. The Giardino delle Rose then continued to be opened to the public for only the month of May each year up until recently. Happily, it is now open to visitors year round, bar Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Alterations and additions made in the 20th and 21st centuries have further made the garden more interesting and beautiful such as the addition of a Japanese Shorai oasis, donated by Yasuo Kitayama and the Kōdai-ji Zen temple by the Florence's twin city of Kyoto in 1998 and the donation of twelve sculptures by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, donated by his widow to the municipality of Florence in 2011.
Free to visit and open daily from 9am to sunset (8pm May–September, 6pm October, March and April, and 5pm November–February), the garden is an excellent place to wander around with a loved one on a romantic date, by yourself for some peace and quiet, or with others who have a mutual appreciation for lovely gardens and views. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence, be sure to drop by!
