Secret Marvel of Firenze, Italia

Vespas zipping through narrow bending streets, towering buildings with Renaissance architectural style, bakeries displaying their freshly baked pastries and breads, bustling tour groups huddling around the Basilica di Santa Croce, slightly recognizable Italian lingo being exchanged on the streets in mid-May.

Does it all seem a bit like home yet?

To me, it has been.

This photo was taken at the Kaffeehaus, where I got my cappuccino and sat to observe the view of Florence as tourists buzzed around taking photos in awe.

Just having recently arrived in the world-renowned “cradle of the Renaissance”, Florence, Italy, I cannot say I have yet witnessed all of its gems.

For the month I am here, there is a lot of exploring left for me to do, but I know I have already stumbled upon one of Florence’s hidden treasures.

Located at the top of Montecuccoli, on a hill overlooking the Arno River in Oltrarno (the part of Florence south of the river), sits the gorgeous Villa e Giardino Bardini—the Bardini Villa and Garden.

This little spot can be seen from the opposite side of the river, as onlookers can capture photographs with the signature Baroque staircase and white stone garden statues clearly visible from the ground.

This photo illustrates a side view of the Villa Bardini, with beautifully arranged plants such as the lemon tree, and a far shot of the Tuscan Apennines mountain range, beyond the busy city of Florence below.

At first, the Mozzi family was the owner of the garden, dating back to the 13th century. The ownership then bounced around, with the purchase by the Carolath von Beuthen family, followed by Stefano Bardini’s management.

After falling into the Bardini family’s hands, it was eventually given to the city of Florence. Fondazione Parchi Monumentali Bardini Peyron now takes care of the area.

Along with the shifting ownership came a change in garden styles, undergoing medieval, Victorian, and present-day designs.

Bardini was a well-known antiques dealer, who significantly changed the garden and whose villa has been converted into the Bardini Museum, located directly next to the garden. The Pietro Annigoni Museum can be found inside the garden itself.

So how exactly did I discover this secret spot?

I came across the Bardini Gardens in my research for top attractions in Florence by first finding the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens among the must-sees. Palazzo Pitti is a palace once owned by the Medici family—a family of bankers known for their political dynasty.

I learned that the Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens neighbored each other, making them only a few steps away from one another, and I decided to check it out.

In taking this photo, I did not quite know to whom the coat of arms belonged to because of the renovations to the gardens. It seems like it traces back to the Mozzi family, the original owners of the gardens, based on my research.

It is recommended that if you plan on visiting, you bring comfortable shoes for the hike. My friend and I walked together to Oltrarno via the bridge crossing the Arno River.

We purchased the 10-euro pass at Palazzo Pitti that included: the Boboli Gardens, Porcelain Museum, Museo degli Argenti, Costume Gallery, and the Bardini Gardens.

Tickets can also be purchased for that same price at the entrance of Villa Bardini, but to see the Villa itself is an additional 8-euro. Circumstantial reduced rates apply.

At the exit of the Boboli Gardens, we were admitted to the Bardini Gardens, entering through the street, Costa San Giorgio 2, across Fortezza Belvedere on Montecuccoli Hill.

The other entrance to the gardens is on the street, Via dei Bardi 1r, where the ticket office is located in a stone building with elevator access to the gardens. For more about the hours of operation for the Bardini Villa and Gardens, click here.

My friend and I first visited the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, and we headed over to the Villa e Giardino Bardini in the afternoon. We grabbed a map to see where to begin, and I witnessed one of the most breathtaking experiences by simply wandering through the garden.

Camellias, roses, viburnum, glycines, hydrangeas, azaleas, and irises. These are all plants that can be found here, arranged beautifully in this grandiose Tuscan landscape.

This is one of the many species of flowers, in particular roses, that can be seen all throughout the walk, making it a truly pleasant environment. Samuele Checcucci, who personally enjoys the beauty of the gardens as an Italian citizen and museum staff member, shared this picture with me.

Having believed to have originally been a fruit orchard, this garden is nothing short of walking through an enchanting fairy tale.

The magical Wisteria Tunnel and signature Baroque staircase, fountains and statues, and all kinds of flowers and greenery to fill the in-between, all attribute to the very essence of the Tuscan peace and distinctiveness.

This is the Wisteria Tunnel that has the beautiful wisteria plant on top that blooms in certain times of the year. To the left, any visitor can see a full view of Florence while walking down through the tunnel. My friend, Daniella Mora, is pictured in the background.

The air smelled of citrus and flower petals, with the mesh of the flower variety and fruit orchards.

Tourists walked around in awe, or found a bench nearby to rest on, or even took romantic pictures with their partner at the terrace overlooking all of Florence below.

Mini patterned gardens are spread out on the terraces, giving this beautiful spot its charm, only taking about an hour to walk around the entire perimeter.

Everything seemed so surreal—with the beauty of the flowers, statues, fountains, and especially the Wisteria Tunnel that bends over visitors in a downhill vine cave, with the sun peeking through its leaves.

The edge of the garden and the whole left side of the Wisteria Tunnel give way to a panoramic view of Florence, allowing people to appreciate the beauty of the city and its Italian cultural air.

This photo was taken at the Kaffeehaus that is located at the Belvedere terrace, showing the panoramic view from my lunch spot.

Although it was quite the walk, the environment is so serene that you can leisurely take it all in—the walk, the view, the garden, the history—and be fully content in understanding this gem that is part of what makes Florence the vibrant center it is.

Not too far from the Villa is the Belvedere, a terrace giving way to a panoramic view of Florence, with the Kaffeehaus—where you can sit down and enjoy a Panini, a slice of chocolate cake, and a cappuccino from an outdoor table.

These are some of the delicious treats the Kaffeehaus serves, fairly close to the Villa, as a source of refueling before continuing the walk around the gardens. I had a Caprese Panini, chocolate cake, and cappuccino.

This was truly one of the highlights of my experience.

You can also find a rustic grotto, gaze at the statues of Vertumno e Pomona that can be seen at the top of the Baroque staircase, and observe the architectural and naturalistic design of the gardens.

Towards the conclusion of my journey through the gardens, I met a kind, Italian man who has worked at the Uffizi Gallery and has now been at the Bardini Villa and Gardens for a month. His name is Samuele Checcucci.

After working out the language barrier between English and Italian, I proceeded in asking him about the villa and gardens, which he mentioned not many people knew about as a tourist attraction.

I explained to him that part of my goal was to bring greater attention to this hidden beauty in Florence, and I wanted to learn more about its impact and story.

This picture was taken just a few steps from the Villa, overlooking some steps and greenery flourishing all around, being able to capture some walking paths and seating paved out with a partial view of the city.

My curiosity took over, and I thought to myself—how could I illustrate to others the importance in adding this site to their Italy must-do checklist? I further asked Checcucci: what makes the grandiose residence and gardens so special?

This is something I myself wanted to understand, only living in Florence for a short month and wanting to learn from the perspective of someone who is from here.

Checcucci spoke about “the green and the light, especially when it rains”, as features of the natural beauty of the Bardini Gardens.

The “wisteria” he spoke to me about is the gorgeous, drooping purple plant that remains popular for visitors to see its majestic flowers, hence the name of the Wisteria Tunnel.

This photo was part of the series of pictures Samuele Checcucci sent me that he took, and among them I thought this was one of the pictures that showed a bit of the magic from above the Wisteria Tunnel. The flowers are in full bloom here.

When talking to Checcucci, I was blown away by his passion for this incredible site, of which he described, “It is a magic(al) place—when you arrive here, early in the morning, and nobody is inside, and (you) hear (the) early bird.”

Not only was I able to speak to someone that has some familiarity with the historical attractions in Florence, but also a local who has a much deeper appreciation and understanding of the influence of such sites in Italian culture and life.

His brief anecdote brought a smile to my face, because he is so proud of this hidden gem in Florence, and as a temporary resident, so am I.

Although the Villa e Giardino Bardini may not be the first thing that pops up on your Florence itinerary, it is a marvel that is worth visiting during your stay in Italy.

This view captures the Baroque staircase that can be recognized from any place in the city below, outlined with statues on each leveled terrace.

With its glorious views and enchanting gardens, there is nothing quite like it. Keep in mind the language and cultural differences when visiting, and immerse yourselves in it— the Italians are incredible people with incredible stories.

An occasional break from being in the bustling city lifestyle could be a good thing, especially when visiting a site of ecological, cultural, and historical significance.

Also, while you are there, initiate conversation with an Italian sometime—they may teach you a thing or two about great wonders such as the secret gardens from their eyes.