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Right from the beginning the visitor cannot help but be daunted by the incredible amount of art, culture and history Florence offers. We can start with Florence gardens...

The Giardino di Boboli - The BoboliGardens - extend behind the Pitti Palace over 5000 hectares and is considered one of the best examples of a Renaissance garden. It was created from 1549 by Tribolo then by Vasari, Ammannati and Buontalenti. It was copied by architects from all the courts in Europe. Behind the palace is the amphitheatre formed with steps and decorated with statues with at its centre an obelisk from Luxor. The garden, which opened to the public in 1776, provides a succession of spectacular perspectives which enclose masterpieces such as the Ocean Fountain by Giambologna and the Grotta by Buontalenti.

The Giardino dei Semplici - Garden of the Simple Ones is a botanical orchard which takes its name from the plants used as ointments which are known as simple. The idea of Cosmo I de Medici, it covers two hectares of cultivated land with more than 6000 types of medicinal herbs from all over the world.

Iris Garden Once an olive grove, this beguiling secret garden is situated on the east slope of the lofty Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the city of Florence. It's magnificent hybrid iris collections grow around and among the ancient gnarled trees that still survive. Unlike classical Italian gardens which are studies in geometric shapes and shadows, the Iris Garden's landscaping is minimal and informal - and yet, it is one of Florence's most stunning jewels, so exclusive that it's gates are open only nineteen days in May each year. On paths winding gently down the hillside from the Piazza, the garden reveals birds-eye views of Florence, the Arno and the hazy mountains beyond. Since medieval times the Iris has been the symbol of Florence, appearing on its coat of arms, banner and minted coin, the florin.

Parko Delle Cascine This huge farming estate, situated between the Arno and the Mugnone rivers, which belonged to the Medici family, was turned into a park by Giuseppe Manetti towards the end of the 18th century. The enthronement of Ferdinand III took place here in 1791.

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