Do you know what the symbol of Florence is?
We are not talking about the Duomo, Botticelli's Venus or Michelangelo's David. It's about the iris. A red flower on a white field. The iris is the symbolic flower of Florence. Often called "giaggiolo", or more commonly "giglio" (lily), it is always the iris, which grows spontaneously in the Arno valley and in the hills around Florence.
In Florence, there is a garden dedicated to it and it is located a stone's throw from Piazzale Michelangelo. It was born in 1954 with the aim of hosting an annual International Competition for the best varieties of Iris, the 'Premio Firenze'.
The park at Piazzale Michelangelo is free. It can be visited in all its glory from 25 April until 20 May. Last entry is available half an hour before closing time. The opening hours are from 9 to 18.
The Iris Garden is located on hilly terrain among rose bushes and plant bushes. But the real protagonists are the Iris plants in their multiplicity of colors and shapes. A great way to spend a different (and colorful) day in the countryside!
Check out other things to do in Italy:
- Spring in Italy: flowers, sun and good food
- What's better than the Italian "Dolce Vita"?
- What about an Italian language vacation?
- La via Romea del Chianti
Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Florence
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