If You Like - Florence and Tuscany - page 37

Gardens
Giardino Torrigiani In a secret location in the centre of Florence, this 19th-century garden includes rare
tree species, wide English-style lawns, herb and vegetables gardens, sculpted lions, a beautifully restored
greenhouse, and remains of the city walls built under Cosimo I in 1544.
Villa Grabau The sweeping English- and Italian-styled gardens of this neoclassical villa near Lucca feature
splashing fountains, more than 100 terracotta pots planted with lemon trees and a postcard-pretty lemon
house.
Orto de' Pecci This Sienese oasis is home to a cooperative organic farm, medieval garden and experimental
vineyard planted with clones of medieval vines.
Giardino di Boboli This prime example of a formal Florentine garden dates back to the 16th century.
Pilgrimage Sights
Via Francigena Walk parts of this medieval pilgrimage route, stopping at evocative destinations including
the Abbazia di Sant'Antimo along the way.
Santuario della Verna Visit the windswept monastery in the Casentino where St Francis of Assisi is said to
have received the stigmata.
Cattedrale di San Martino Pay your respects to the Volto Santo, a simply fashioned image of a dark-
skinned, life-sized Christ that is Lucca's most revered religious icon.
Assisi The Birthplace of St Francis and St Clare is Italy's second most important pilgrimage destination
(after Rome).