As far as I recall, this botanical garden is open almost all the time. There is an admission fee, but it is included in the Firenze Card if you are visiting the city; furthermore, the ticket price is very low for young people, seniors, and students—in fact, there are various agreements with universities around the world.
One might wonder why one would visit a place like this. Well, this botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world; it was founded in 1545 at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici. Its name essentially stems from the medicinal plants that were cultivated there—or rather, were originally cultivated there. Nowadays, it houses plants from all over the world, used primarily for university research experiments. However, it also seemed like the perfect place to visit on October 4th—the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, Italy's patron saint—a man who surely would have enjoyed strolling through this garden.
Here you can see large greenhouses—originally built in the 19th century—housing tropical plants from all over the world. You will also find palms, ferns, and citrus trees; I even spotted carnivorous plants—something truly unique that isn't usually found in Italy—though I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of them. There are also water lilies and a yew tree planted in 1720—plants that are incredibly old and, fortunately, still stand here as a testament to the passage of time.
The route is essentially laid out on a single level, making it accessible to people with disabilities—a very important detail, in my opinion. Inside, you’ll also find restrooms and benches where you can rest or enjoy a peaceful picnic.
I hope you found my post interesting. I hope I’ve introduced you to a spot in Florence that’s a bit more hidden—far from the usual tourist trails. See you next time!
