An iris in bloom in the Florence Iris Garden

The Iris Garden (Giardino dell'Iris) is one of Florence's best hidden secrets, most likely due to the limited time it is open each year. The garden is on a lush hillside accessible from the east side of Piazzale Michelangelo. It makes a great place to get away from crowds and the city for a quiet stroll. The garden belongs to the "Società Italiana dell'Iris" (the Italian Iris Society), an association that promotes the flower. An international competition is held by them each year for the cultivation of the Iris. Through a combination of flowers a display is created annually that has the color of the iris represented in the coat of arms of Florence.

The Iris Garden definitely belongs in the Hidden Florence category. Because it is outside the very center and up the hill close to Piazzale Michelangelo, and open for such a brief time each, most people never get to see it. If you are in Florence in May, we highly recommend it!

Map of the Florence Iris Garden

The garden is only open from April 25th to May 20th, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (these hours may need to be verified before visiting). Admission is free, and animals are not allowed other than registered service dogs.