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Secret Greenery: The Parks of the North

Self-guided audio tour in Florence

1 hr 50 min
Duration
6
Stops
Moderate
Difficulty
natureoff the beaten pathphotography

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About This Guided Walking Tour

While most travelers to Florence never venture north of the Accademia Gallery, a world of tranquil gardens and architectural curiosities awaits those who do. This self-guided walk leads you away from the Renaissance crowds and into the leafy districts of San Marco and Statuto, where the city’s pace slows down and the greenery takes over. This neighborhood stroll is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of nature, history, and photography, offering a different perspective on the Tuscan capital beyond its famous marble facades. Your journey begins in the lively Piazza San Marco, a hub of academic life and home to the church where Savonarola once preached. From here, you will discover hidden artistic treasures like the monochromatic frescoes of the Chiostro dello Scalzo, a quiet sanctuary often overlooked by the masses. As you move further north, the urban landscape softens into the lush Giardino dei Semplici, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, founded by the Medici family in 1545. This walking route Florence offers a perfect blend of scientific history and aesthetic beauty, providing ample opportunities for photography away from the typical tourist trail. The experience continues past the high, mysterious walls of the Giardino della Gherardesca before reaching the spectacular Giardino dell’Orticoltura. Here, the highlight is the Tepidarium del Roster, a magnificent 19th-century glass and iron greenhouse that looks like something out of a Victorian fairytale. Finally, a short climb leads you to the Orti del Parnaso, where a whimsical dragon-shaped fountain guards a panoramic terrace. This is one of the best spots to view the Florence skyline, including the iconic Duomo, framed by cypress trees rather than crowds. Whether you are a solo traveler seeking peace or a photographer looking for unique angles, this walking tour Florence provides a refreshing escape into the city's secret green heart.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

  • The monochrome Renaissance frescoes of Chiostro dello Scalzo
  • One of the world's oldest botanical gardens, Giardino dei Semplici
  • The stunning 19th-century iron and glass Tepidarium del Roster
  • The whimsical 'Dragon' fountain at Orti del Parnaso
  • A breathtaking panoramic view of Florence from the northern hills
  • The quiet, local atmosphere of the San Marco and Statuto districts

Route Map

Route map for Secret Greenery: The Parks of the North

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Piazza San Marco

Welcome to Piazza San Marco, the starting point of your neighborhood stroll. This square has been a center of Florentine life for centuries, dominated by the Church and Convent of San Marco. It was here that the fiery preacher Savonarola lived and eventually met his downfall. Today, the square is a vibrant mix of students from the nearby University of Florence and visitors heading to see Michelangelo's David. Take a moment to observe the bronze statue of General Manfredo Fanti in the center. This area marks the transition between the dense historic center and the more residential, green districts we are about to explore.

2

Chiostro dello Scalzo

Tucked away on Via Cavour is one of Florence’s best-kept secrets: the Chiostro dello Scalzo. This small, elegant cloister was once the entrance to the chapel of a religious brotherhood known as the 'Scalzi' or barefooted ones. What makes this stop extraordinary is the series of frescoes by Andrea del Sarto, depicting the life of John the Baptist. Unlike the colorful murals found elsewhere in the city, these are painted in 'chiaroscuro'—shades of grey and brown that mimic the look of stone sculpture. It is a masterclass in Renaissance composition and a rare moment of absolute silence in the city.

3

Giardino dei Semplici

Step into the Giardino dei Semplici, the third oldest botanical garden in the world. Established in 1545 by Cosimo I de' Medici, it was originally designed for the cultivation of 'simple' medicinal plants. As you walk through the various sectors, you’ll see ancient cycads, aromatic herbs, and massive specimen trees that have stood for centuries. The garden retains its original geometric layout, reflecting the Renaissance desire to categorize and understand the natural world. It’s a living museum where the air is noticeably cooler and the only sounds are the rustle of leaves and the splashing of fountains.

4

Giardino della Gherardesca (Exterior)

As we head north, we pass the perimeter of the Giardino della Gherardesca. While this massive private park is now part of a luxury hotel, its history dates back to the 15th century when it was a model farm. The high walls and monumental gates offer a glimpse into the secluded world of the Florentine aristocracy. This garden was one of the first in the city to be converted into the 'English style' in the 1800s, featuring winding paths and romantic groves rather than rigid symmetry. It serves as a green lung for this part of the city, even if we can only admire its canopy from the street.

5

Giardino dell'Orticoltura (Tepidarium)

Welcome to the Giardino dell'Orticoltura, a public park that feels like a trip back to the 19th century. The centerpiece here is the Tepidarium del Roster, a spectacular greenhouse built in 1880 for the first National Horticultural Exhibition. Constructed of iron and over 9,000 panes of glass, it was the largest of its kind in Italy at the time. Its light, airy structure is a masterpiece of Italian Art Nouveau architecture. The surrounding lawns are a favorite spot for locals to picnic or read, offering a glimpse into daily life in Florence away from the souvenir shops.

6

Orti del Parnaso (Dragon Statue)

Continue your walk up the stairs to the Orti del Parnaso, the highest point of this route. You’ll immediately notice the whimsical 'Dragon' or 'Serpent' fountain winding its way down the hillside, covered in colorful mosaics. This quirky piece of modern art references the mythological Mount Parnassus. From the terrace here, you are rewarded with one of the most magnificent views in Florence. Looking south, the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the surrounding hills of Fiesole and Settignano are perfectly aligned. It is the ideal place to end your self-guided adventure as the sun begins to set over the Arno valley.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Secret Greenery' route through San Marco and Statuto is ideal. It covers the Giardino dei Semplici botanical garden and the panoramic Orti del Parnaso, offering a peaceful alternative to the stone-heavy city center.

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