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Now open after their long restoration Exploring the Bardini Gardens
[Susan Glasspool]
These really beautiful gardens, which have only recently re-opened after a long restoration, are divided into exclusive areas, such as the Italian and English gardens and contain many rare plants. There is also an agricultural area planted with an orchard of dwarf fruit trees, cultivated in “trellises” and “espaliers”. A path, covered in a wealth of wisterias in various colours, leads to a collection of rare hydrangeas, camelias, viburnums and peonies.
The garden is full of unexpected and wonderful surprises, like the Baroque flight of steps, hidden statues, fountains, grottoes, a small amphitheatre and breathtaking views. Dating from medieval times, it was originally two gardens, one belonging to the Mozzi family, whose property stretched between Costa San Giorgio, Piazza de’Mozzi and Via San Niccolò, while the other half was attached to 17th century Villa Manadora, built on Costa San Giorgio by Gherardo Silvani.
Antiquarian Stefano Bardini purchased the gardens in 1913 and proceeded to restore and improve them with new driveways, statues and decorative elements, while leaving the planted areas practically intact. Overgrown and wild since his death, this wonderful garden has now been restored, thanks to the help of the Cassa di Risparmio Bank of Florence, for the joy of all garden and nature lovers.
There are two ways of entering the gardens: from Via dei Bardi, 1r (Piazza dei Mozzi), and from the Boboli Gardens (Pitti Palace) passing through Costa San Giorgio, 4. Either way the tickets include entrance to the Porcelain and Silver Museums, Fort Belvedere and of course the Boboli Gardens.
Bardini Gardens
Info and reservations: tel. 055.294883 - 055.290112.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8.15-sunset.
Entrance: euro 5,00/2.50.
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