Tuscany, a land of art, history, and delicious food, also hides another treasure: its gardens. In recent years, more and more travelers have discovered the charm of exploring these green oases, art parks, and landscape masterpieces.
If you're looking for a day trip destination focused on relaxation and connecting with nature, the gardens of Tuscany are the ideal place for you.
In this article, we'll take you on a journey to discover 5 must-visit gardens in Tuscany, each with its own unique characteristics and history. Get ready to stroll through tree-lined avenues, get lost in green labyrinths, and admire breathtaking views. You'll discover why Tuscany is considered one of the most fascinating destinations for garden tourism.
The Tarot Garden
Located in Capalbio, in the province of Grosseto, the Tarot Garden is a unique work of its kind, created by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. This extraordinary sculptural park, inspired by the twenty-two Major Arcana of the Tarot, is a true labyrinth of colorful and monumental sculptures, made of iron and concrete covered with mosaics of ceramics and mirrors.
An unforgettable experience for lovers of contemporary art and nature, who can wander among the giant sculptures and immerse themselves in a magical and surreal atmosphere.
The Tarot Garden is a magical place that cannot be missed on the itinerary of anyone visiting southern Tuscany.
Our tips for visiting the Tarot Garden:
- When to go? The best time to visit the garden is in spring or autumn, when the climate is mild and the vegetation is lush.
- How to plan your visit? It is advisable to purchase tickets online to ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
EDV Garden in Florence
Hidden on the hills of Florence, near Piazzale Michelangelo, the EDV Garden is an oasis of peace and creativity offering an unmissable view of the city of lilies.
Designed by Alice Esclapon de Villeneuve as an enchanted place where her daughter could grow and have fun surrounded by nature, the EDV Garden is a labyrinth of paths, artistic installations, and charming panoramic views, featuring sculptures and sensory paths that tell a story.
The installations in the garden, placed at different heights, are made from natural and recycled materials, stimulating the visitor's imagination and inviting them to explore.
Particularly fascinating is the location of its natural amphitheater, high above the city, from which you can admire the cradle of the Renaissance in all its splendor.
Our tips for visiting the EDV Garden in Florence:
- The best time to visit? The best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the climate is mild and nature is lush.
- What to do? Besides freely wandering among the installations, you can also opt for a guided tour or an evening visit to discover and appreciate the garden on a nighttime illuminated path.
The Emotional Garden of Podere La Gualda Vecchia
The third garden we recommend is our own, the Feather Paths Emotional Garden. Located in Monteverdi Marittimo, in the province of Pisa, a few kilometers from the famous village of Bolgheri on the Etruscan Coast, the Emotional Garden of Podere La Gualda Vecchia is an oasis of peace immersed in the Tuscan nature.
Designed as a place for meeting and connection with nature and oneself, the garden features a captivating emotional path through the woods that opens into squares dedicated to art with natural and man-made installations.
The path leads visitors through various thematic areas, each dedicated to a natural element: earth, fire, water, and air. Each section presents ancient geometries and symbolism, revealing energy centers and unique settings that stimulate emotions and invite reflection.
Conceived as a true microcosm of biodiversity, the garden is an ideal place for those who wish to relax, find their inner balance, and immerse themselves in the beauty of Tuscan nature.
Some useful information for you:
- Address: Via Castagnetana 55, Monteverdi Marittimo (PI)
- Guided tours: Available by reservation, costing €25 per person for groups of at least 6 people. An audio guide (currently in Italian) is also available for €10 per person, also by reservation: contact us to book your visit.
- Private events: The garden can be rented for private events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate meetings, as well as book launches, concerts, art exhibitions, and photoshoots.
Lacquaniti's Return Garden
The Return Garden is a unique work of its kind, created by the bio-architect artist Rodolfo Lacquaniti in Castiglione della Pescaia, in Maremma. This art park is an immersive experience that invites reflection on our relationship with nature and objects.
Lacquaniti transformed a disused area into an enchanted garden, using recycled materials and scraps to create sculptures and installations that evoke the power of nature and human creativity. The garden is an emotional journey that stimulates the senses and encourages rediscovering the beauty of simplicity. An open-air contemporary artwork that combines ecology and art, representing a unique example of urban regeneration.
Our tips for visiting this garden:
- When to visit? The garden is open all year round, but it is advisable to book a guided tour to fully appreciate the artist's work.
- What to do? Besides walking among the sculptures, you can also participate in creative workshops and events organized in the garden.
The Return Garden is a magical place where art meets nature, an unforgettable experience for lovers of contemporary art who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Maremma.
Daniel Spoerri Garden
The Daniel Spoerri Garden is the last of the gardens in Tuscany we want to recommend. It is a unique experience, a sculptural park spread over 16 hectares in the heart of Tuscany, in Seggiano, in the province of Grosseto.
Inaugurated in 1997, the garden hosts over 110 installations by 55 artists, including Spoerri himself, creating an artistic path that winds through nature and art. The works, often made from recycled materials, are harmoniously integrated into the landscape, inviting the visitor to a unique sensory experience.
The garden is famous for its trap-paintings, characteristic of Eat Art, an artistic movement of which Spoerri was one of the main exponents. An oasis of peace and creativity, the Daniel Spoerri Garden is a must-visit destination for lovers of contemporary art and nature, a place to get lost among sculptures, installations, and breathtaking landscapes.
Our tips for visiting the garden:
