Hidden behind the Pitti Palace are the largest gardens in Florence, Boboli Gardens. To visit them is to relive the history of the Medicis and to discover the largest green area of the city. Come and discover them!
The Boboli Gardens are located behind the former Pitti Palace, built by the family of the same name and rivals of the Medicis.
But by the year 1550, the latter bought the palace, demonstrating once again the power they had over the city.The two wings of the courtyard serve as a connector between the gardens and the Palace. This green area used to mark the social distance between the Medicis and the Florentine people.
At festival times, the gardens were open only to members of the aristocracy. It was not until 1776 that the gardens were opened to the public.
Thanks to the location of the gardens, its vegetation, statues and fountains, the atmosphere that surrounds the place makes it an unforgettable visit.
To get to know this wonderful green space it is necessary to take your time. The place itself is a work of art, but it has several elements that should be carefully contemplated. Such is the case of the Ocean Fountain.
It is a large tank, with an island surrounded by a stone wall. This work used to be in the center of the Amphitheater Garden, near the Palace courtyard. But then it was moved so that the space would be dedicated to shows.
In the center of the fountain, the figure of Neptune is the center of attention. Around it are statues of gods representing the Nile, Ganges and Euphrates rivers. While marble statues emerge from the water, such as Perseus on horseback and Andromeda.
Another famous fountain found in the Boboli Gardens is that of Bacchino, symbolizing Morgante, a dwarf jester at the court of Cosimo I de Medici. The statue depicts him naked on a turtle spouting water from its mouth.
As the story goes, Morgante was an intelligent and kind man, much loved by Cosimo. So much so that he chose him as his personal advisor.
In addition to the green areas offered by Boboli Gardens, the site has several structures that amaze visitors with their marvelous structure. One of them is the Grotta del Buontalenti.
This fake cave, decorated in a subjective style, has a facade full of details to contemplate. If you look closely, you can see sheep and shepherds, while in the corners there are copies of Michelangelo’s slaves.
On the other hand, reaching the end of the gardens is the Kaffeehaus. This place offers incredible views of Florence. The interior is divided into four main levels and lateral mezzanines with triangular staircases. Climbing up one of these stairs, it is possible to access the viewpoint with a dome and contemplate the landscape.
The best option to get to know in depth this green lung of Florence is to take a tour of the Gardens. This way you will be able to discover the Renaissance art spaces it hides!
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