Three urban parks

The charm of Florence extends far beyond the historic centre: the city is full of breathtaking places outside the walls, but also gardens in which to get lost. It will be interesting to go and look for beauty even in what is now the suburbs, but in the past was the countryside: in the lesser known and most unexpected corners. This is the case of three parks that move away from the centre: Villa Vogel, the Mensola Park and the Anconella Park.

Villa Vogel (near Legnaia and Isolotto) is an expanse of over 5 hectares of land surrounding the villa located in its centre. Born as Villa Capponi delle Torri, it takes its current name from the last owners. Over the years the structure has undergone numerous changes but this does not mean it has lost value, indeed it has acquired a different charm. In 1981 the Villa became part of the property of the Municipality of Florence and is also the seat of the District Council 4.

The Mensola Park is perhaps the newest park in the city, it consists of a path about twenty hectares long between Settignano and Rovezzano. Inside of it is a route, suitable for both biking and hiking, allowing all sportsmen to have fun as they see fit. Moreover, the park is part of one of the protected natural areas of naturalistic interest on the Florentine hill.

On the left bank of the Arno we find the Anconella Park, a green expanse that is ideal for outdoor activities. Inside there are a bar (open in the summer season), picnic tables, a carousel for the little ones, inflatables, trampolines, a skating rink and many other types of equipment that are much appreciated by its visitors. Every year, Covid-19 permitting, it hosts musical events and more.

Surrounded by greenery, there is also a scale reproduction of the famous dome of Santa Maria del Fiore; it is a curio that allows you to understand with what technique it was built.

These three parks are real oases for the citizens of Florence but at the same time witnesses to the territorial beauty that can be found outside the city centre - for those who know how to look for it.