Giardino del Borgo #1

We recently discovered a small public garden, the Giardino del Borgo (Village Garden), around the corner from our apartment.  Although we had walked past it many times, we did not notice it because of the imposing gate, high wall and tiny sign.  We eventually learned about the garden and visited it. 

The garden was created long ago in the 1500's when this part of Florence was still partly agricultural with small fields and pastures to provide food for the hungry population nearby.  The garden was originally planted with flowers and with exotic and rare plants, including jasmine from Spain and muscatel grapes from Greece.  Over time, an irrigation system was added along with a fountain and a small building for growing lemons in winter. Eventually, part of the garden passed to the city which created a public garden. 

Today, the garden is a lush green space with an adjacent area operated by OrtidiPinti, a neighborhood group committed to organic urban horticulture.

Last year, the garden was dedicated to Elio Chianesi, a Florentine partisan who died during WWII fighting against the Fascist and Nazi regime in Florence.

Gate of the Giardino del Borgo, now the Giardino Elio Chianesi

A bench for sitting and enjoying the garden.  (An ashtray is provided.  It's Italy after all.)

A guide to the garden's flora and fauna.  Note the smiling deer in the photo.

Works by local artists, including children, are located throughout the garden.

A welcoming cat stands guard near the garden's entrance.

Another work of art in the garden

From Ortidipinti.it, a photo of the garden in bloom

A postcard about the garden's biodiversity.  Susan was happy to see that snakes were not among the diverse creatures in the garden. 

Used wine bottles get a second chance.

Garden of Elio Chianesi, Partisan and recipient of Italy's Gold Medal of Military Valor

After visiting the garden, we Googled Elio Chianesi and learned why the garden was dedicated to him.  Here is a brief history:

Elio Chianesi (born, Florence, 2/16/1910; died, Florence, 7/15/1944) was a member of the Communist Party who helped organize and lead the Florentine resistance against the Fascist and Nazi regime governing Florence during WWII.  He was a commander in Florence of the Gruppi di Azione Patriotica (Patriotic Action Groups), underground cells for urban guerilla warfare.  He was imprisoned for distributing anti-government pamphlets but was later released.  He arranged the escape of an imprisoned resistance leader, the execution of a pro-Fascist philosopher/politician, and the escape of 17 members of the resistance.  A short while later, Chianesi was captured, tortured and killed by the Fascists.

Chianesi was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor for being a "standard-bearer of the struggle against oppression", for "organizing partisan action groups" and for directing and participating "in the most daring actions, demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice and unparalleled selflessness, encouraging others with cold determination and indomitable fearlessness."

Elio Chianesi