Springtime in Florence offers a myriad of opportunities to immerse oneself in the city's beauty and culture. In this article, we'll explore some of the must-visit gardens, upcoming events, and the museums that you can enjoy for free on 25th of April and every first Sunday of the month.
Gardens to Explore:
- Boboli Gardens. Tucked behind Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens stand as one of Italy's most renowned historical gardens. With its magnificent tree-lined avenues, ancient statues, and Baroque fountains, a stroll here is a journey through history and art.Ticket has to pay at the entry.
- Rose Garden. Nestled near Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Home to a vast collection of roses from around the world, it's a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling city.Admission is free.
- Bardini Garden. Adjacent to the Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Garden offers terraced panoramas, rose gardens, and centuries-old trees, providing a serene escape from the urban hustle.Ticket has to pay at the entry.
- Iris Garden. In Florence, you will find the world's only garden entirely dedicated to the iris, rightfully so, as the "city of the lily," as Florence is also called, refers to the Florentine iris that has appeared on its coat of arms since the 11th century. Access to the Iris Garden is from one side of Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic point that is one of Florence's must-see attractions, offering a clear view of Brunelleschi's Dome and all the other monuments of Florence. It covers approximately two and a half hectares and features 2000 varieties. It is only open during the blooming season (from April 25th to May 20th) and was created in 1954 for an international competition dedicated to the most spectacular varieties of the flower, which continues to this day. Admission is free. Entry is prohibited for dogs, with the exception of service dogs in duty.
Events Not to Miss:
- The 87th edition of Mida, the International Handicrafts Fair of Florence, has arrived, returning to fill the Fortezza da Basso from April 25th to May 1st, featuring craftsmanship from around the world, events, cooking shows, exhibitions, and special initiatives (April 25th, 29th, 30th, May 1st 10 am - 10 pm - April 26th, 27th, 28th 10 am - 8 pm).
- New appointment with the Plant and Flower Market Exhibition at the Horticultural Garden of Florence. Appointment from April 25th to May 1st, from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, featuring over 75 exhibitors specialized in the floriculture, horticulture, and fruit growing sectors, offering a wide variety of plants and flowers from specialists.
- In San Quirico d'Orcia from April 25th to 28th, the Orcia wine market exhibition: four days of tastings, events, and beauty for the thirteenth edition of the Orcia Wine Festival. The wine festival, organized by the Municipality of San Quirico d'Orcia - in collaboration with the Consorzio del Vino Orcia - offers tasting stalls, four guided technical tastings by Onav Siena, masterclasses, urban trekking, guided tours to discover the architectural and artistic beauties of the historic center of San Quirico.
Free Museums to visit on 25th April and 5 May:
- Uffizi Gallery. One of the world's foremost art museums, the Uffizi houses a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Free admission.
- Palazzo Pitti. Home to several museums including the Palatine Gallery, the Modern Art Gallery, the Silver Museum, and the Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti offers a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures.Free admission.
- Galleria dell'Accademia. Known for Michelangelo's David, the Accademia Gallery is another must-visit museum, offering free admission on the first Sunday of the month.Free admission.
Extraordinary openings every Tuesday from late March to December at the Uffizi Gallery. Every Tuesday, from March 26th to December 17th, 2024, the Gallery of Statues and Paintings will remain open in the evening, offering visitors the magical experience of admiring masterpieces of art in the light of the sunset. On these occasions, the museum's opening hours will be extended from 6:30 pm (normal closing time) to 9:30 pm (with last entry allowed at 8:30 pm).
Exploring these gardens, events and visiting museums during their free admission days are excellent ways to experience the essence of spring in Florence. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking cultural experiences, Florence has something to offer for everyone.