Three gardens on a hill
The flowering of two hillside gardens, a green oasis overlooking the city, is an unforgettable experience. A third public park with a terrific view. We are talking about the green areas a few steps from Piazzale Michelangelo.
The first one, destination of spring walks and not only, is the Rose Garden, which stretches on the hill just below the square towards the district of San Niccolò. In this green space, open all year round, there are over 350 types of roses; the green meadows invite you to relax, while the poetic sculptures - donated to the city by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon - stand as interludes among the plants. In the lower part of the garden, there is also a Japanese garden, looked after by gardeners from Kyoto, Japanese twin town of Florence.
A few steps from the Rose Garden, crossing Piazzale Michelangelo, we suggest to visit also the Iris Garden, entirely dedicated to the flower, symbol of Florence. The garden is open only for a few weeks, from late April to late May when the iris blooms and the admission is free. Walking through the paths, you will discover the many hybridized species of this colourful flower: these specimens participate in a prestigious international competition.
The Rose Garden and the Iris Garden are not to be missed if you are in Florence in spring, in the most beautiful season.
A third destination is the Michelangelo Park, in the site where the city campsite used to be. It is a public park with a breathtaking view on Florence, where you can walk, seat or play.It is open all year.
Comune di Firenze
The places
Stages
Rose Garden
The Rose garden is a green terrace right below Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the historic centre of the city and enjoying a breath-taking view equal in beauty to that from Forte Belvedere. The Garden has been entirely redesigned better to display the works by Folon. Visitors will be able to admire the unique view of Santa Maria del Fiore and Palazzo Vecchio through the big suitcase of Partir; they will rest next to Folon’s man on the timeless bench of Je me souviens; they will stroke the Chat, the large cat sleeping on the grass among rosebushes.
In the garden there is also a ... corner of Japan! The Japanese garden was donated to the Municipality of Florence by the twin city of Kyoto.
Iris garden
Since 1251 the is the symbol of Florence: ever since 1954 this garden has been keeping and showing the most beautiful varieties of this flower and has 2.500 species. 2.5 hectares partly with olive trees, with a breath-taking view of the city. Every year in May, during the blossoming, the international exhibition-competition of the iris takes place in this garden.
The Italian Iris Society organizes guided visits and workshops for children and school groups.
The Garden is currently not accessible to strollers and to people in wheelchairs.
Parco Michelangelo
A new panoramic park, situated between viale dei Colli and via dei Bstioni, has just been inaugurated.
The Parco Michelangelo (the name is temporary) covers the area once occupied by Campeggio Michelangelo, a campsite with a beautiful view that was closed a few years ago.
The park, only a few steps away from piazzale Michelangelo, borders the Iris Garden and is an unexpected natural environment within the city center. It features paths and loans dotted with olive trees and other plants. It’s also equipped with a small soccer field for children, benches and picnic tables, making it the perfect place to relax. Moreover, the few brick structures have been decorated by young street artists. A kiosk for refreshments will also open soon.
The Parco Michelangelo is a brand new green open-air area with a beautiful view that can be enjoyed by both Florentines and tourists.
