Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens were designed by Niccolo Tribolo who died one year after starting the gardens. Bartolommeo Ammanati, Bernardo Buontalenti, and Giorgio Vasari completed the gardens according to plan. The name came from the hill, Boboli, in which the gardens reside. But these gorgeous gardens are more than just that – they are of historical importance to the city of Florence.
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Gary and I have enjoyed strolling through this garden several times while in Italy. It must be the time of year, or perhaps the time of day, that makes the statues look different. It is a wonderful experience to plan in the Spring. Summer can be quite hot so make sure you arrive early or later in the day.
As you enter the gardens from the Pitti Palace’s courtyard known as the “Cortile dell’Ammannati,” the first staircase (photo above) leads up to the “artichoke” fountain. This was nicknamed by Florentines whose large octagonal basin is decorated with numerous statues and crowned by a bronze lily.
The Boboli Gardens is one of Italy’s largest gardens. It begins at the Pitti Palace and ends at the Porta Romana. It was enlarged in the 17th through 19th centuries to its current size of 45,000 square meters or about eleven acres. That gives everyone plenty of space to find a great spot for a picnic!
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The Statues
The grounds have many beautiful statues sculpted by Giorgio Vesari, Stoldo Lorenzi, Giambologna Pietro Tacca, Sebastiano Saluini, and others. My favorite happens to be the large partial face below. It is quite large and impressive.
The Views and Plants
The plants, grass, and trees in the Boboli Gardens get their water from the Arno River. This occurs through a conduit from the Arno through an elaborate irrigation system. It’s hard to imagine they could create something like this that long ago! When visiting in April, the flowers were just blooming. I can imagine the beauty in June/July when everything is in full bloom! The views are amazing!
When Exiting the Boboli Gardens
Finally, as you are leaving the gardens, you have one of the best views of all, the Duomo! Stop and take in this amazing view.
Editors Note: This article was originally published in October 2017 and was updated in November 2021 for accuracy and additional information.
Gotta get back to the Boboli Gardens. Gorgeous. And i’m so pleased you featured Parma’s Puppet Museum, one of my favorite hidden treasures.
Thank you Nancy! Gary & I loved the Puppet Museum in Parma. It was amazing – – so was our 90 days in that beautiful town.