14 May 2026
Florence
In Florence, a city of stone and beauty, hidden gardens have always been the best-kept secret of historic palaces. Behind imposing gates and ancient walls lie green oases that tell stories of noble families, botany, and tranquility. Our garden, La Limonaia, is one of these treasures: a place our guests discover with wonder and that often becomes the most vivid memory of their stay in Florence.
La Limonaia: 1,000 square meters of nature in the heart of Florence
Imagine stepping through the threshold of a 19th-century palace in Florence’s historic center and suddenly finding yourself in a 1,000-square-meter garden where time seems to stand still. That is exactly what happens to those who arrive at our hotel, Palazzo Castri 1874.
La Limonaia is not just a hotel garden: it is a true paradise on earth, an ecosystem of scents, colors, and silence that surprises even the most seasoned travelers. Here, bitter orange and pear trees bloom in full splendor, the ginkgo biloba fills the air with its intoxicating scent, and the herb beds—lavender, rosemary, calendula—create a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere that accompanies every moment of the day.
A garden for every season, an experience for every moment
Spring is the season when La Limonaia reveals all its magnificence: lemons perfume the air, colors burst forth in the flower beds, and the April light filters through the foliage, creating plays of shadow that invite contemplation. But our garden offers something special every month of the year, because it is designed to be experienced, not just admired.
Here’s what you can do at our Limonaia:
- Immerse yourself in the outdoor hot tub, surrounded by greenery and silence, for a feeling of total well-being
- Treat yourself to an aperitif at La Limonaia bar, featuring samples of our own produce and local Tuscan specialties
- Enjoy breakfast amidst the garden’s fragrances, starting your day with the calm and beauty that only a place like this can offer
- Read a book in the shade of the trees, enjoying a silence that, in the heart of a city like Florence, feels almost unreal
A secret Florence has guarded for centuries
The tradition of hidden gardens is deeply rooted in Florentine history. From the great Renaissance families to the noble palaces of the 19th century, Florence has always cultivated a taste for secret beauty—for those green spaces protected by walls and courtyards that only a few have the privilege of discovering. Florence’s heritage of historic gardens is incredibly rich, and La Limonaia at Palazzo Castri fits perfectly into this centuries-old tradition.
Unlike the famous Boboli Gardens or the Bardini Gardens—wonderful but always crowded—our garden is an intimate and private place, accessible only to our guests. It is the privilege of those who choose to stay with us: a secret garden that becomes your garden.
The fragrance you’ll take home
The bond between Palazzo Castri and its garden is so deep that we’ve turned it into an essence. “Limonaia di Firenze” is the exclusive fragrance we’ve created for our guests, which you’ll find in the courtesy set in your room. A scent that captures the spirit of the garden—the fresh notes of lemon, the aromatic nuances of herbs—and that will allow you to take home an olfactory memory of your stay.
It’s a small detail, of course. But it’s the details that make an experience unforgettable.
Florence as you’ve never seen it: from the garden to the city
Palazzo Castri’s location in Piazza dell’Indipendenza is ideal for exploring Florence, using our garden as your privileged base. Just a short walk away are the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore (750 m), Santa Maria Novella Station (700 m), and the Fortezza da Basso (500 m). But it’s returning here, after a day spent among museums and narrow streets, that makes all the difference: rediscovering the garden’s tranquility, the pool, an aperitif at sunset.
For those who want to explore the green side of Florence, our concierge can suggest itineraries through the city’s most beautiful gardens—from the Rose Garden with its 350 varieties to the charming Iris Garden, the very symbol of Florence—creating a tailor-made route for you that combines art, nature, and discovery.
Come discover our secret garden
The Limonaia at Palazzo Castri cannot be described: it must be experienced. We look forward to welcoming you to discover our corner of paradise in the heart of Florence, where luxury is made of silence, scents, and authentic beauty.
Book your stay at Palazzo Castri 1874 and discover our exclusive offers. Choose one of our elegant rooms and suites with a view of the garden and let yourself be pampered in our Spa for a complete wellness experience.
Palazzo Castri 1874 — Piazza dell’Indipendenza, 7 — 50129 Florence
Tel. +39 055 472118 — welcome@palazzocastri.com
