Florence is home to some famously beautiful gardens attached to, and surrounding, the stunning former homes of important noble families, as well as lovely public parks and incredible outdoor spaces such as the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). So, if you find a luxury villa in Florence and are a plant lover and a fan of wandering through magical gardens that have been expertly planned and arranged, you will find yourself very much in luck and with lots of extraordinary examples to visit. Another particularly lovely example among these is the Giardino dell'Iris, which is home to a vast array of different breeds of the iris flower, and is a wonderful slice of peace and tranquility in the city.
The Giardino dell'Iris is located on the corner of Viale dei Colli and Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence and is open daily without charge for a period between April and May each year when the flowers are in full bloom. Specialised in the cultivation of iris flowers, the garden is owned and run by the Società Italiana dell'Iris (the Italian Iris Society). Almost entirely devoted to the iris, there are thousands of varieties and even a pond with special aquatic varieties of the iris as well.
The Giardino dell'Iris is located on the corner of Viale dei Colli and Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence and is open daily without charge for a period between April and May each year when the flowers are in full bloom. Specialised in the cultivation of iris flowers, the garden is owned and run by the Società Italiana dell'Iris (the Italian Iris Society). Almost entirely devoted to the iris, there are thousands of varieties and even a pond with special aquatic varieties of the iris as well.
It is worth noting, of course, that the iris has a particularly important place in the heart of Florentines and has been a symbol of the city since 1251. The coat of arms of the city features a fleur-de-lys, which is thought to have been inspired by the white iris that grows in great numbers in the nearby Arno valley, and the very first Florentine flag featured a white flower on a purple background, which was changed to a purple iris flower against a white background by the Guelfs after their defeat of the Ghibellines. The same design was then used for the Florentine coin, the florin, which was minted in 1252. Since then, the iris has been the flower and a symbol of Florence.
Opened to the public since 1954 with the advent of the annual, “International dell'Iris,” an event that showcases the incredible variety of iris flowers in the garden (a number that increases each year as more and more varieties are added), the Giardino dell'Iris remains only open widely to the public between the months of April and May, or when the flowers are in full bloom. However, the garden can also be visited and viewed throughout the rest of the year upon booking. And while it is a particular destination of interest to botanists, hybridists, and horticulturists and those interested in its scientific value as an important reserve of germplasm, or iris seed bank, it is also just a beautiful spot to spend some time enjoying the outdoors in Florence. Due to its location, the Giardino dell'Iris boasts extraodinary sweeping views over the city of Florence and is a pretty and romantic spot that is perfect for dates, dates with yourself, and wandering with friends or loved ones.
So, if you are thinking about heading on a trip to Florence in late April or in May, just browse our incredible range of luxury villas in Florence. Once you have landed on the right one and are then looking to put an itinerary together for your time in the city, be sure to make space in your schedule to drop into the impossibly lovely Giardino dell'Iris for a bit of peace and tranquility amongst all the dashing around to see the endless list of incredible tourist attractions in Florence. Just remember to take a deep breath of that sweetly scented air, take in those wonderful views, and pinch yourself because you're finally in one of the prettiest spots in all of Tuscany.
Opened to the public since 1954 with the advent of the annual, “International dell'Iris,” an event that showcases the incredible variety of iris flowers in the garden (a number that increases each year as more and more varieties are added), the Giardino dell'Iris remains only open widely to the public between the months of April and May, or when the flowers are in full bloom. However, the garden can also be visited and viewed throughout the rest of the year upon booking. And while it is a particular destination of interest to botanists, hybridists, and horticulturists and those interested in its scientific value as an important reserve of germplasm, or iris seed bank, it is also just a beautiful spot to spend some time enjoying the outdoors in Florence. Due to its location, the Giardino dell'Iris boasts extraodinary sweeping views over the city of Florence and is a pretty and romantic spot that is perfect for dates, dates with yourself, and wandering with friends or loved ones.
So, if you are thinking about heading on a trip to Florence in late April or in May, just browse our incredible range of luxury villas in Florence. Once you have landed on the right one and are then looking to put an itinerary together for your time in the city, be sure to make space in your schedule to drop into the impossibly lovely Giardino dell'Iris for a bit of peace and tranquility amongst all the dashing around to see the endless list of incredible tourist attractions in Florence. Just remember to take a deep breath of that sweetly scented air, take in those wonderful views, and pinch yourself because you're finally in one of the prettiest spots in all of Tuscany.
