Garden Highlights
Plan Romantic Florence GetawayThe Temple – A Place for Reflection and Romance
The neoclassical garden temple symbolizing stillness, romance and historic elegance was created in the 19th century to embody the romantic ideal of a “temple of reflection.” The structure once overlooked a lake, where noble families sought calm and inspiration. It remains a symbolic heart of the garden, inviting guests to embrace its quiet grandeur.
The Arch – A Baroque Illusion
A Baroque grotto arch from the 18th century, this is a standout of one of the most historic hotel gardens in Florence. Originally part of a wall that once divided the estate, the arch is a timeless centrepiece of our private oasis. Built between 1755 and 1762 by Agostino Fortini, the grotto-style folly is adorned with textured stonework, bearing a resemblance to the famous Boboli Gardens grotto. The statue of Christ, added in the 20th century, is rumored to have been placed by the nuns who once owned the estate.
Explore Spa & FitnessPalestra – From Crustaceans to Cardio
Once a crustacean pond, this space now houses a modern gym, blending past and present wellness traditions. From 1746 to 1759, the area was known as the gamberaia, a freshwater pond built to farm crustaceans for noble tables. Now a contemporary fitness space, it continues the estate’s legacy of wellness – an essential part of life in historic Tuscan gardens.
Collinetta – The Hill of Meditation
This gently sloping man-made hill offers a unique view across the estate’s landscape. More than an elevated point, the Collinetta was built from the remaining earth used to create the estate’s original lake. Since the 18th century, it has served as a place of observation and introspection – offering a panoramic view of one of the most tranquil hotel gardens in Florence.
Explore Garden-Inspired DiningOrto – Where Nature Inspires Cuisine
A working kitchen garden filled with herbs and seasonal produce that inspires chefs and mixologists, Orto is located in a sunny corner of the estate. The Orto connects soil and plate, with herbs such as basil, rosemary and mint picked daily for seasonal menus. It’s an integral part of our garden-to-table culinary philosophy.
Learn More About Our LocationDuomo View – A Lawn with a Landmark
This peaceful lawn aligns perfectly with Florence’s duomo, just a 10-minute walk away. At the garden’s southern edge lies the Duomo View Lawn, where Brunelleschi’s red-tiled dome rises above the skyline. For those seeking a hotel with a view of the Duomo, this spot offers a uniquely serene perspective.
- Bellosguardo Terrace – The Garden’s Best-Kept Secret
- A secluded viewpoint perfect for quiet reflection, this terrace is a hidden gem within one of Florence’s finest private gardens. Nestled among the greenery, the Bellosguardo Terrace lives up to its name (beautiful view). It once offered the Della Gherardesca family a peaceful retreat for reading and contemplation beneath the Tuscan sun. Today, it provides a romantic escape for those seeking a moment of stillness in one of the best luxury hotels with gardens in Florence.
- Kaffeehaus – A Gift from Vienna
- An elegant 19th-century garden pavilion inspired by Viennese tradition, this refined structure takes its name from the Austrian “Kaffeehäuser,” popular in the 1800s as spaces for intellectual and artistic exchange. Adorned with bas-reliefs of dancers and mythological scenes, the Kaffeehaus is a rare architectural treasure that reflects the cultural layering of historic gardens in Florence.
Garden Trees
Book Garden Dining ExperienceFaggio Pendulo – The Garden’s Oldest Guardian
The estate’s oldest tree, the weeping beech provides shade for unforgettable dining experiences. Believed to be the oldest living tree on the grounds, the Faggio Pendulo invites guests to dine beneath its expansive branches. Revered for centuries, it’s one of the great botanical landmarks within Florence’s hidden gardens.
Cedro Libanese – Echoes from Distant Lands
A Lebanese cedar symbolizing nobility and longevity, rooted in Tuscan soil, was introduced to European estates in the 19th century. The Cedro Libanese blends Eastern grandeur with Tuscan heritage and continues to stand with quiet dignity in our unique Florence garden retreat.
Magnolia Soulangeana – A Blush of Springtime Elegance
A springtime highlight, this pink-and-white magnolia is admired for blooming before its leaves. First cultivated in 1826 by French botanist Étienne Soulange-Bodin, the graceful hybrid fills the garden with colour and poetry every spring – a fleeting yet unforgettable sight.
- Magnolia – A Gentle Matriarch
- Nearly two centuries old, this magnolia tree symbolizes strength, grace and the continuity of nature. With deep roots in both soil and history, the Magnolia stands as a guardian of the garden’s atmosphere. Her timeless presence welcomes guests under her calming canopy.
- Sequoia – The Giant of the Garden
- A rare New World import, this giant tree speaks to the adaptability and endurance of nature. Imported from North America, this Sequoia now thrives in the heart of Florence — a symbol of botanical curiosity that defined aristocratic garden design.
- Cedro – Fragrance of Heritage
- An aromatic cedar offering shade and serenity in the garden’s central grove. Valued for its wood and symbolic wisdom, this cedar invites passersby to pause, reflect and appreciate the enduring beauty of garden design in Florence.
FAQ
For the most enchanting flower display, we recommend visiting between March and May, when nature’s palette is at its peak. In spring, wisteria, camellias and magnolias fill the garden with vibrant colours, while summer welcomes roses and fragrant herbs. Autumn drapes the grounds in golden hues, offering a different kind of magic.
Yes, we offer private dinner in the garden for a romantic meal. An unforgettable evening awaits with our bespoke dining experiences crafted for two. Beneath the centuries-old beech tree, savour a serene dinner surrounded by lush greenery, with carefully selected wines complementing the menu, as nature itself becomes your backdrop. For an even more exclusive experience, Il Palagio restaurant sets a romantic table in the Gherardesca Garden, where a Michelin-starred four-course menu is served under the stars.
Yes, the Gherardesca Garden is a private retreat that offers peace and intimacy in the heart of Florence for Four Seasons guests only. If you are joining us for a dining or spa experience, we invite you to wander its paths, discovering fragrant blooms, fountains and sun-dappled benches along the way. Every visit offers the chance to connect with nature and enjoy the timeless beauty of our hidden Florentine treasure.
Yes, you can reserve the garden for a private event or function. Our gardens offer a variety of outdoor venues that are available for private celebrations – each with its own distinctive charm. The Duomo View Lawn provides a breathtaking backdrop with Florence’s iconic dome rising above the treetops – an unforgettable setting for weddings, galas or large gatherings. For a more intimate atmosphere, the Cedro Garden welcomes guests beneath the shade of a majestic Lebanese cedar, creating an elegant and natural ambiance. Our catering team is ready to craft a bespoke experience, tailoring every detail to your vision.