The Boboli Gardens are large, formal gardens behind Florence’s Pitti Palace. They were created between the 15th and 19th centuries and have many historic features, including the amphitheater, grottoes and Roman and Renaissance sculptures. Wander through the garden’s different sections, which are beautiful to see year round.
Enter this garden and open-air museum filled with Florentine treasures from the past. Admire one of the park’s major architectural structures, the amphitheater, formerly used for entertaining the palace occupants. Today it takes on a slightly different appearance as the surrounding area has been turned into gardens decorated with hedges and trees.
Step close to the water basin that irrigates the park to see the Fountain of Neptune, a large statue of the Roman god holding his trident.
To see a fantastic collection of statues, head to the Grotto Grande, which features stalactites, sculptures and water features. Previously Michelangelo’s The Prisoners was displayed here, before being moved to the Academia Gallery. Michelangelo built the ramparts for the Giardino del Cavaliere. Discover the Kaffeehaus, an old coffee house that today provides stunning views over the city and rolling landscape.
On a warm day in Florence Boboli Gardens is a perfect place to find refuge. Stroll along avenues of shady foliage and walk under oak trees that are over a century old. Bring a picnic to eat in one of the gardens and enjoy the tranquility. If you’re visiting in spring, the colors and fragrances of the rose garden give an extra special touch to the gardens.
The gardens are open every day during normal hours, except for the first and last Monday of each month when they are closed all day. Admission is free for children under 6. Use your admission for entrance to the three on-site museums, the Costume Gallery, the Porcelain Museum and the Silver Museum, as well as nearby Bardini Gardens. Though considerably smaller, the Bardini Gardens have a fantastic display of flowers and are the perfect location for a short stroll.
When in Florence, escape the city crowds and enjoy the peaceful and elegant Boboli Gardens.
