Giardino dell'Iris

"The garden was created by the architect Zanetti and opened to the public three years later on the initiative of Flaminia Specht and Nita Stross Radicati, members of the Società Italiana Amici dei Fiori, to host the first International Iris Competition, called the “Premio Firenze” (1957). In 1967, a lake was set up in the lower part of the garden, in order to be able to grow Japanese and Louisiana Irises. The site is managed by the Italian Iris Society, founded in Florence in March 1959, and today contains over one thousand and five hundred varieties of Iris, some of which are rare and in the process of becoming extinct. The surface area of ​​the Iris Garden is approximately two and a half hectares, and the area is divided into stone paths, olive groves, an artificial lake, and areas where you can relax, have a picnic, read a good book or simply enjoy the view."

"Located beside Piazzale Michelangelo, this garden is a perfect place for a picnic or simply sit and overlook the city. Admission is free and it is open from dawn-dusk. There is also a rose garden located on the opposite side that can tend to get a little busier."

"The Iris Gardens are behind Piazzale Michelangelo, and are open for a short period from April 25 - May 20 when the iris are in bloom. Entrance is free "