The Renaissance city is known for its dedication to structure and historical preservation, so moving through the cathedrals, palazzos, and museums is incredible and intense. Between the breathtaking fresco hallways and architectural triumphs however lies hidden gems of greenery. These nature spots offer a pocket of peace and serenity as you tour the bustling city's many attractions.
In this article, we’ll go over three green spots that celebrate the wisdom and attention to detail featured in Florence's metropolitan layout. Our local guides are well versed in the area, from slow garden strolls to bike rides through the hillside, making your curated private tour an enjoyable, hands-off experience.
A Stroll Through The Boboli Gardens
If you're in the heart of the city and looking for a breath of fresh air, you don't have to look too far. Behind the Pitti Palace lies the Boboli Gardens, a skillful mix of architecture, art, and greenery. Commissioned by the Medici family, it's an open-air museum 400 years in the making. Featuring key carvings of the Renaissance era like the Fountain of the Ocean and the Artichoke Fountain, the Boboli Gardens inspired countless European counterparts and were worked on by different dynasties.
The garden acts as a timepiece, forever highlighting the stunning sculptures of Baccio Bandinelli, who pushed the boundaries of courtyard living with works like the "Jupiter" and the "Peasant and his Barrel". If you visit during the summer, you'll find trees sprouting citrus fruits that leave a fragrant breeze. The Citrus Medica Florentia is an ancient citrus fruit long favored by the Medici family. It's instantly recognizable thanks to its unique shape and texture.
With over nine different types of flowers, the garden's botanical spaces are a colorful display of strategic planning. The bushes are cut into a maze formation, and vibrant purples, pinks, and whites decorate the landscape. The gardens are enormous, so you can spend hours getting lost amongst the manicured lawns and statues.
Our guides will take you through the famous grottos where each dynasty perfected the previous designs. There's a calm, quiet environment with no loud noises, the occasional local wildlife, and a few designated areas for sitting and reflecting. The Cerchiates, or branch archways along Cypress Lane, offer natural shade while showing off a tradition of tree structuring that started in 1612. Most arches feature the holm oak, which can be found throughout the gardens. The trees were carefully bent, woven together, and used as a sheltered source for growing plants.
To fully enjoy the Boboli gardens, respect rules concerning the interaction with the statues, animals, and greenery.
A Boat Ride On The Arno River
Another great work of nature that's not too far from the main square is the Arno River. Running 240 km before it flows into the Liguria Sea, the Arno is the second most influential river in Italy after the great Tiber. Since the currents are slow rolling, you don't have to worry about a rapid journey. The waters are so tranquil that you can eat your lunch as you see the sites, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, the Vasari Corridor, and the Palazzo Corsini. For a laid-back experience, use the traditional boats, also known as Barchettis.
Navigated by a skilled Barcaiolo, you'll be let in on the eventful past this river has seen, including the birth of Florence's leatherwork, goldsmith, and blacksmithing culture.
As you draw closer to the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, take notice of the small shops suspended above. Here lies the Corridoio Vasariano, a secret passageway used by the Medici family to get across the Arno without drawing attention to themselves. An architectural feat of its time, the bridge was completed by Taddeo Gaddi in 1345. On the bottom half, you'll enjoy the wide, high arches that allow for the seamless passage of large and small vessels. The strong archways have withstood some of the Arno's strongest expansions, including one in 1966 when the river famously burst its banks.
If you really want to witness magic, book a boat trip as the sun sets. The pink and purple hues bounce off the water at dusk, creating a golden river that's spectacular and sparkling. The ride lasts 50 minutes to an hour, so you can completely unwind. At night, as the streetlights come on, the water turns into a mirrored crystal, reflecting the city's monuments.
A Day Trip To The Tuscan Countryside
Ready to take your love of nature to the next level? Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside and enjoy the lush, rolling wine and olive hills that made this region world-famous. You can start your tour at the Piazzale Michelangelo, a beautifully gardened terrace displaying one of three King David sculptures and plenty of red bursting flowers.
From there, travel along the outskirts of Florence towards the Chianti hills for wine, calm winds, and long walks. The only sounds interrupting your journey will be the scurrying of the occasional deer, pheasants, porcupines, and, if you're lucky, red foxes.
If you have some extra time, celebrate the strong Tuscan cycling culture with a bike ride from the city center and back, featuring a stop at the legendary town of Fiesole. Just a few kilometers north of the city center, this town is surrounded by olive groves and is full of charming stone houses. It's been a fan of iconic figures such as Gertrude Stein and Marcel Proust due to its slow living appeal and romantic charm.
For the best walking trails, views and climbs, head to the Via San Francesco where you will find the Chiesa e Convento di San Francesco. From here, you can get a bird's eye view of Florence. It's also a great starting point for several outlined walking trails ranging from 1 to 3.5 km. As an added treat, you'll find many leafy green spots for a picnic or afternoon rest. Fiesole can be reached by bus from the Piazza San Marco with a guide who will fill you in on the town’s hidden secrets and heartfelt stories.
Tuscany is known for its fresh, locally sourced food, so be prepared to taste the best honey, herbal tea, meat, wine, and cheese. Power up with a traditional Tuscan lunch and some authentically slow churned gelato or strong coffee before heading back into the city.
Conclusion
Florence always feels like a vacation within a vacation, and that’s just the beginning when it comes to serene attractions. Peaceful and adventurous, there’s still so much for nature lovers to discover. To uncover the layers of the city of lilies, get in touch with our knowledgeable local guides. The tour of a lifetime awaits.
