Parco della Villa di Rusciano

Beautifully underrated green area of Florence. Off the beaten-track but worth it for a bit of peace and nature. Lovely views of the valley on one side and on the other you can see the city of Florence through the trees.

The park is interesting, views are good. But the building is closed. There is outdoor exercise equipment.

Villa di Rusciano is a wonderful place on a hill in our Gavinana neighborhood, it represents the absolute abandonment of the historical structures of the public heritage of this Florentine administration that chats, chats and does nothing! Since in Florence we delight in discussing the restoration or not of the stadium in Florence, untouchable for architectural reasons, we should expect from our enlightened mayor Nardellone the restructuring of all the Florentine public heritage, also thanks to the proceeds from the tourist taxes collected. in these years. Instead, absolutely nothing (!) The important thing, however, is to continue to have a left-wing administration because the fascists are always around the corner (I laugh) and to be satisfied with the abandonment of our public heritage. Villa di Rusciano is a wonderful place, destined for destruction due to public abandonment!

The Villa di Rusciano is part of the Rusciano complex, which includes a large park with dozens of plant species. The Villa is very old, unfortunately in decline, despite the fact that in the past centuries, when Pitti was the owner, an exceptional restorer such as Filippo Brunelleschi put his hand to it in the mid-fifteenth century, to whom an internal staircase is attributed. The park on the part of the hill which is accessed from via di Ripoli offers a beautiful olive grove, while on the upper side there are various trees, including exotic ones, fruit of the interests of the last owner, the German baron Von Stumm, who was a great lover of botany - even today you can admire a palm of great value in the rear garden of the villa -. My favorite place is located in the upper part of the hill: a beautiful panoramic roundabout from which you can glimpse the Cathedral which is accessed by an avenue of cypresses (under renovation, let's say). In the upper part of the park there is also a dog area, while in the middle there is a life path and in the olive grove various sports equipment mounted more recently but unfortunately already defaced by the inevitable vandals. In my humble opinion it is a truly magical place, considering that it is located in the heart of the city, but unfortunately, considering the high renovation costs, it seems destined to inevitable decline. For me it would be an ideal location to install a sort of Uffizi 2 and give visibility, even if temporary, to the most hidden artistic heritage of the Florentine art gallery. But that's just advice, of course ...

Hidden park of Florence, with splendid views of the cathedral and several green spaces. Recommended for spending time in peace or for a walk.