Florence
Bardini Gardens in Florence
Nestled on the lush hills just above the Arno River, the Bardini Gardens are one of Florence’s most peaceful hidden gems. While the renowned Boboli Gardens often draw crowds, Bardini is a serene alternative, brimming with beauty, history, and jaw-dropping views of the iconic Florence skyline. This is where locals and savvy travelers go for a quiet stroll among blossoms, art, and panoramic terraces. Get ready to wander through centuries-old wonders in a picture-perfect setting!
Where to Find Bardini Gardens
Address: Via de’ Bardi, 1 / Costa San Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze (FI), Italy.
Set your GPS or map app to “Bardini Gardens Florence” for a smooth arrival.
Official Opening Hours
- High season (29 May – 30 September): Daily, 10:00 – 20:00 (last entry 19:00)
- October – April: Usually, 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:00; always check for possible updates)
- Closed the first and last Monday of every month
- Entrances at both Via de’ Bardi 1 (red door) and Costa San Giorgio 2
For the latest updates, special event times, and holiday schedules, check the garden’s page on the official ticket site.
Admission and Tickets
- Full price (Boboli + Bardini combined): €10
- EU citizens aged 18-25: €2
- Under 18 & eligible categories: Free (see site for details)
- PassePartout 5-day pass (Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Boboli & Bardini): €40
You don’t need to buy a separate ticket for Bardini; your ticket also covers the amazing Boboli Gardens. Buy your ticket in advance on the official Uffizi ticket site to skip the line.
Contact and Help
Info & Reservations: +39 055 294 883
Official ticket purchase:
Getting to Bardini Gardens
- On foot: From Ponte Vecchio or the Uffizi, it’s a scenic 10-minute walk up the hill.
- By bus: Take Autolinee Toscane lines 23, C3, or D. Get off at the Via de’ Bardi stop, just steps from the entrance.
- By car: Park near Forte Belvedere. From there, signs guide you to the garden; city parking is limited so walking or public transport is often easier.
Florence is easy to get around, embrace the walk if you can!
The Rich Tapestry of Bardini Gardens’ History
Medieval Orchard Origins
The Bardini Gardens began in the 13th century as a private orchard for the Mozzi family, a prominent dynasty of bankers in Florence. Their terraced gardens cascaded down the hill, and you can still feel echoes of their medieval world among the fruit trees and quiet paths today.
Baroque Era Grandeur
In the 1600s, the gardens were transformed with grand Baroque features. The highlight of this era is the sweeping stone staircase, flanked by balustrades and crowned with a terrace that gives one of the best views of Florence you’ll ever find. Walking up this staircase, you’re following the footsteps of nobles, artists, and garden lovers from centuries past.
Stefano Bardini’s Vision
The gardens owe their current name and much of their charm to Stefano Bardini, an art collector and antiques dealer who took ownership in 1913. He brought together Italian, English, and Baroque gardening styles, adding statues, fountains, and exotic plants. Bardini saw the potential for beauty in restoration, and gave the garden its signature mix of wildness and elegance.
Restoration & Revival
After periods of neglect, major restoration in the late 20th century revived the gardens. Today, Bardini is open to all, offering the chance for every traveler to enjoy Florence’s natural and cultural history, side by side.
What Makes Bardini Gardens Special?
- 4 hectares of terraced greenery and blooms
- Unmatched panoramic views over Florence’s rooftops
- Peaceful spots under centuries-old wisteria, citrus, and olive trees
- Historic statues, ornate fountains, shady woodland trails, and flower-filled meadows
This garden is a living canvas that traces Florence’s legacy from the Middle Ages right up to the present.
Highlights of Your Visit
- Baroque Staircase: Climb the grand, flower-trimmed steps to the panoramic terrace where Florence’s spires and domes burst into view. The higher you go, the wider your smile!
- The Wisteria Tunnel: Bardini’s iconic wisteria tunnel offers an Instagram-ready, fragrant purple canopy each spring (blooming mid-April through early May). It’s truly magical, don’t miss it if you’re in Florence at that time!
- Dragon Channel: This water feature is a highlight of the Baroque stairway, with water streaming out of an ornate dragon figure. Pause here for photos and a cooling mist in summer.
- Fruit Orchards and Terraces: Visit the restored medieval orchards and olive groves to get a sense of the garden’s earliest days, and enjoy blissful quiet among the trees.
- Art Exhibitions and Events: The villa hosts exhibitions, events, and sometimes even concerts, always fresh and inspiring. Check the official site for upcoming cultural happenings.
- Insider’s Café: Near the loggia, a lovely café offers Tuscan snacks, drinks, and the best garden views in Florence, perfect for a leisurely pause!
Planning Your Visit
- Visit in Spring: Wisteria season (mid-April to early May) is peak beauty, though autumn is gorgeous with golden leaves and fewer crowds.
- Accessibility: The villa is accessible, but steep paths and steps may be a challenge in parts of the garden. Advance arrangements are possible for guests with limited mobility (contact info above).
- Duration: Most visitors spend 1–2 hours, but linger longer if you love gardens or photography.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and maybe a book for a peaceful break under the trees.
- Pets: Not allowed, even on a leash or in a carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to visit the Bardini Gardens? Plan on 1 to 2 hours. True garden lovers may want to stay even longer, there’s plenty of space and photo ops!
- Are the Bardini Gardens free? No, but entry is included with your combined Boboli/Bardini ticket (€10), and under-18s go free. EU residents aged 18–25 can visit for just €2.
- What is the wisteria tunnel? A gorgeous, flower-filled path that blooms in vibrant purple each spring. It’s one of the prettiest places in Florence!
- How big are the gardens? Bardini covers about 4 hectares, plenty of space for discovery, but not so large you’ll get lost.
- What’s special about Bardini’s location? Its hillside perch offers Florence’s most spectacular, sweeping city views, especially near sunset.
- How do I get there by public transport? Take Autolinee Toscane urban lines 23, C3, or D. Via de’ Bardi stop is closest.
- Where are the entrances? Main entrances at Via de’ Bardi 1 and Costa San Giorgio 2. Both lead you straight into the garden oasis.
Tips for Travelers
- Combine your day: With your Boboli/Bardini ticket, you can tour both gardens. They’re close together and offer two distinct sides of Florence’s horticultural story.
- Advance tickets: Buy your tickets ahead of time to skip the wait. Use the Uffizi official ticket website.
- Check ahead: For special events or temporary changes in opening times, always glance at the official Bardini site before you visit.
Let Bardini Gardens surprise you with Florence’s timeless charm, quiet paths, blossoming arches, secret terraces, and some of the best vistas in town. Take your time, soak in the view, and let the spirit of the city linger long after you leave.
Ready to experience Florence’s green sanctuary?
Step off the busy streets and into Bardini Gardens. Purchase your tickets easily from these official links:
Uffizi Official Ticket Shop
Villa Bardini Ticket Info
Prepare for sweeping views and a peaceful escape, right in the heart of Florence!
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