Giardino di Boboli (Boboli Gardens), Florence

The Boboli Gardens, situated behind the Pitti Palace, are renowned as one of Florence's most exquisite and historically significant gardens. Originating in the 16th century, they were commissioned by Eleonora di Toledo, the wife of Cosimo I of Medici, and involved the collaboration of esteemed landscape architects of the time.

Niccolo Tribolo, one of the notable architects, contributed to the gardens until his passing in 1550. Following his tenure, Bartolomeo Ammanati and Bernardo Buontalenti took over, credited with pioneering the Mannerist style that succeeded the Renaissance period in Florence. Replete with long axial developments, wide gravel avenues, a considerable stone element, lavish employment of statuary and fountains, and a proliferation of detail manifested in the classical accents such as grottos, nymphaea, garden temples and the like, the Boboli Gardens thus represent an ideal showcase of the Mannerism in all its diversity. Their unique openness, providing expansive views of the city, defied convention and served as an inspiration for many European royal gardens, notably Versailles.

Over time, the Boboli Gardens underwent large-scale reconstructions, expanding to cover approximately 11 acres (4.5 hectares) of land. They are often regarded as an outdoor museum, housing a collection of art, sculptures, and antiquities ranging from the Roman era to the 16th-17th centuries.

If you seek respite from the noise, crowds, and queues, the Boboli Gardens offer a serene retreat surrounded by natural beauty. While the entrance fee of 10 euros may appear steep, it is well worth it, particularly if you pack a picnic and spend ample time immersing yourself in the atmosphere. Exploring the gardens requires some stamina, as they are hilly and encompass various staircases; however, the reward includes magnificent vistas of the city and delightful discoveries along the way. The gardens provide recommended walking paths catering to different abilities.

Upon concluding your visit, you can exit through the northern gate to visit Fort Belvedere or the southwestern gate to explore La Specola, home to the Museum of Zoology and Natural History. The choice is yours!

Tips:
Entry is included in the FirenzeCard, and cardholders can skip the queue by proceeding directly to the bookshop inside the Pitti Palace for access. Plan for approximately two hours to fully explore the gardens, and remember to bring snacks, water, and comfortable footwear for an enjoyable experience.