Being in Florence during the Spring is a feast for all the senses.
Walking to Piazzale Michelangelo (or taking a cab, bus or car), is special in any season, with it’s breathtaking views of the city. Check out the photo on the header of this blog to see another view in the snow!
However, during the month of May two gardens of Piazzale Michelangelo are not to be missed: The Iris Garden and the Rose Garden.
The Iris Garden was established in 1954. Here you can see about 2500 varieties of iris, which happens to also be since 1251, the symbol of Florence. The Giglio, which is translated as lily, can be seen on many plaques, building, flags etc. not to be confused with the Fleur to Lis which is the “lily” and symbol of Paris. Difference is the Florentines have added some extra stems between their petals.
Each Spring since 1954 the International Iris Competition is held here. The following are some photos of this year’s entries as well as past blooms.
Just down the ramp of the Piazzale, the Rose garden can be discovered. It can also be accessed from San Niccolo and other walking paths. In 1865, the Giardino delle Rose was built to add to the beauty of the then capital of Italy – Florence. It is on 2.5 acres on the hill of San Miniato, just below Piazzale Michelangelo. Also great views of the city to be had from this garden.
Within the garden you can find beautiful sculptures by the Belgian artist Folon. There also is a Japanese section of the garden which was donated by Zen Temple Kodai-Ji of Kyoto.
Remember as you walk through Florence there are also many other beautiful green areas to visit that are especially vibrant in the Spring. The Cascine is the largest park in Florence now housing the new opera house and hosting a great weekly market on Tuesday. The Boboli gardens are magnificent and can be accessed through the Pitti Palace, included with the admission ticket. Don’t forget the neighborhood giardini such as Piazza D’azeglio that resembles an English square with elegant residential buildings surrounding it as well as a lively carousel in the garden frequented by the neighborhood children.
Not only can you fill your senses of sight, sound and smell during a Florentine spring but let us not forget the important sense of TASTE!
Yes, I would be remiss if I did not mention at least two of the many culinary delights of the season.
FAVE and ARTICHOKES! Baccelli (Fava beans) and Pecorino cheese in a salad mixed with pears…oh my, so fresh you can taste Spring.
A you tube guide to making a fava bean and pecorino cheese salad:
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1237/insalata-di-fave-e-pecorino-fresh-broad-bean-and-p
You can shave fresh artichokes and eat them in a salad with Parmesan chesse; another explosion of Spring for your mouth.
Check out this you tube video to get an idea of what I’M TALKING ABOUT:
My favorite way to enjoy artichokes is with pasta.
Now, I must add comments about the ingredients. Artichokes and fresh fava beans in the pod, DO NOT taste the same in the States. Artichokes are too big and a bit tasteless and it is near impossible to find fresh fava bean pods, and I live in California. SO… come buy them at a local market in Florence during the Spring. Now there is a reason to experience Spring in Florence!
Next blog, next month on two new markets in Florence for your food shopping convenience. 🙂
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