French writer Stendhal was profoundly struck by the beauty of Florence: ‘I had palpitations of the heart… Life was drained from me. I walked with the fear of falling.’ As a self-confessed history nerd, I’ve always been fascinated by the city, having visited several times. With so much to see, though, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of ornate churches and great works of art, by the bustle of city life, and by the heaving tide of tourists. Where better to seek solace then, than in one of the city’s many idyllic gardens?
–Gianmarco-D’Agostino”" alt="”Wisteria" classes="””]" credits=«false»]The most famous of these gardens is the magnificent Giardino di Boboli. South of the Arno and behind the imposing Palazzo Pitti, these gardens were first built for the Medici and were so large they required the construction of their own aqueduct. Wandering through the grand cypress avenues and branched archways, it’s easy to forget that you are in the heart of one of the busiest tourist cities in the world. Around every corner there is a playful statue or enchanting glade – with architectural highlights including the Fountain of Neptune and the frescoed and stalactite-encrusted Grotto del Buontalenti.For a longer stay, the Boboli gardens are the perfect place to immerse yourself in greenery – ideal for escaping the whine of scooters and the chatter of tourists. Despite the Boboli being the most famous, the Oltrarno quarter is also home to two even more picturesque gardens.
Just south of the Ponte alle Grazie is the Giardino Bardini. It doesn’t sell itself short – a sign above the entrance announces that it is ‘the garden with the best view of Florence’. Its elegant baroque terraces climb precipitously towards a commanding
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