The famous Boboli Gardens around the world, located next to the residence of the dukes of the Medici Palazzo Pitti, are considered a museum of garden sculpture . What is this park so interesting? Firstly, it is very beautiful - there are a huge number of terraces, fountains, grottos and arbours . Secondly, in the gardens there are sculptures created at different times - from antiquity to the 17th century . Finally, the very the main argument - the Boboli Gardens served as a model for breaking all the European royal parks, including Versailles . Admire this park is also because it is from here that opens a wonderful panoramic view of Florence .
The park owes its name to the hill of the same name. The idea to create a park here belonged to Eleanor of Toledo - the wife of Duke Cosimo I of the Medici. She wanted to break not just a beautiful park, but to do the best to emphasize the wealth and influence of her family. Over the implementation of the idea, the best Italian architects and sculptors have worked since 1549.
Boboli Gardens have always had a lot of different events in the gardens. At the Medici, lavish receptions were arranged here, performances and celebrations were held. Today in the park you can also often see musical and theatrical performances, as well as exhibitions. By the way, the park has been open for visitors since 1766.
Boboli Gardens share long axial paths and wide gravel paths. It is worth noting that on the main axial path you can see the fountain of Neptune. Local residents jokingly call it a fountain with a fork. By the way, almost all sculptures have their historical value. For example, near one of the grottoes are statues of slaves - replicas of "Slaves" by Michelangelo. Nearby there is a statue of a fat man sitting astride a turtle - it's the court clown of Duke Cosimo I.
It is known that the great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky and his wife were very fond of walking in the Boboli Gardens
Practical Information
Cost entrance ticket from 7 EUR. Gardens open at 8.15 year-round, but are closed depending on the season. From November to February, the gardens are open until 4.30 pm. In March - until 17.30. In April, May, September and October - until 18.30. From June to August in Boboli Park you can walk until 19.30
Prices are for July 2013.
| Beautiful view of the city, Boboli Gardens |
| Amphitheater, Boboli Gardens |
| Boboli Gardens |
| Palazzo Pitti , Boboli Gardens |
| Neptun, Boboli Gardens |