A visit to a garden is always a great way to refresh while on vacation, particularly on holiday in Tuscany or some other destination where there can be lots of cultural attractions that have a whirlwind of stimuli. All of the sights, sounds, textures, and details that one can take in in places like museums, galleries, historic buildings, and old towns can overstimulate the senses and leave one especially tired. Of course, those who find one of our Tuscany villas and spend time in the region should definitely seek out as many of this part of the world’s famous sights and spots as their heart desires but you may also need a bit of a palate cleanser. This is where gardens and parks come in and, luckily, there are also plenty of these to discover in Tuscany as well. Wandering in these spaces, breathing in clean air, surrounding yourself with nature, it not only pleasant and enjoyable but it is also good for the mind, body, and soul. It is a perfect way to recover from intense touristing and the ideal sort of activity to slot into your itinerary as a cushion to more hectic outings and days.
If you have found a villa in San Gimignano, for example, the lovely Giardino Sottovico is exactly this sort of attraction and garden. A wonderful addition to any vacation in San Gimignano, this gem of a botanic garden is home to a charming collection of over 3,000 succulents in a lovely setting that is housed on the former site of an illegal landfill. Built by passionate locals who wanted to reclaim this space in Vico d'Elsa, in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle, not far from San Gimignano, the garden was a way of not only transforming an eyesore and polluted part of the countryside but a way of making it into a space that would actually be of service to the physical and psychological well-being of visitors.
Construction of the first greenhouse on the site began in 2007 and the garden has been added to, year by year, since then with the support of public and private sponsors and volunteers. A reception and management centre were added and then a gazebo under which social and educational workshops could be held. Then, a second greenhouse was built to house Andrea Rosselli's collection of succulent plants, and the Path of the Senses, an area that stimulates all five senses through plants. Next, the garden was further enriched by the addition of a pond and a constructed wetlands as well a composting plant.
In addition to these indoor spaces, there are the outdoor gardens, with paths and walkways along rows of aromatic and medicinal plants, native and exotic plants, flowers, various shrubs, vegetables, and fruit trees. These spaces can be enjoyed and visited freely but it is worth keeping in mind that they will change with the seasons. If you are planning to visit, you should also note that the greenhouses are only open to guests from Monday to Friday and by appointment. Those interested in seeing the greenhouses, therefore, should call the garden on +39 380-3433776 to reserve a visit ahead of time if they want to avoid disappointment.
Visitors who come to Il Giardino Sottovico will get to wander among the fragrant and beautiful walks through the garden and greenhouses, admire the surrounding scenery of this part of Tuscany, discover the 3,000 succulents from South and Central America and Africa (some of which are particularly rare), shop the wonderful handmade ceramics made by local kids with disabilities on the site in a special artistic and educational initiative (conceived and promoted by the Social Promotion Associations, Le Tre e un Quarto, and Giardino Sottovico), and appreciate the impressive work of local volunteers in turning a site of mankind destroying nature into a wonderful space where man and nature work hand-in-hand.
Charming, relaxing, and a space of welcome and wonderful community work, the gem that is the Giardino Sottovico is not an obvious tourist attraction that many planning a holiday in Tuscany will have heard of before but it is well worth seeing for yourself. If you want to enjoy some beauty, take a deep breath, and admire how people can come together to do incredible things, it is the right place for you! Located on a hillside overlooking the rather more famous historic city of San Gimignano, the garden is an easy trip for those who have found a villa with pool in San Gimignano and who are looking for a peaceful day out. Plus, it is free to visit! But, if you want to support the amazing work and outreach initiatives going on here then we recommend taking a look at the ceramics and plants on sale and considering purchasing something. You might even find a nice, unique souvenir while you are at it. The Giardino Sottovico is just one of the many wonderful gardens you can unwind in and visit while on vacation in Tuscany but is a rather special example, indeed.
Il Giardino Sottovico
Via Zambra, 3A
loc. Vico d'Elsa
Barberino Tavarnelle (FI), 50021
+39 380-3433776
info@giardinosottovico.org
Opening hours:
Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Summer (June 1st – September 30th): 9am to 12pm and 5.30pm to 8pm.
Winter (October 1st – May 31st): 10am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm.
The greenhouses can also be visited from Monday to Friday by calling to make a reservation.
