Florence, as we have noted before, is famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance and for her museums. However, in addition to incredible works of art indoors, many of the former palaces and historic architectural gems also boast gardens outdoors that are works of art in their own right. In fact, Florence is a great city to visit if you love admiring great gardens and beautiful blooms and if you enjoy taking a breather to wander or lounge in pretty parks.
Among the array of incredible parks and gardens that are open to the public in the city, the resplendent Boboli Gardens stands out as utterly magical and unforgettable – a must for any garden enthusiast who has booked a vacation rental in Florence!
Nestled behind the grand Pitti Palace, once the illustrious abode of the revered Medici dynasty, this stunning garden boasts extraordinary views over Florence, formal gardens, lush greenery, statuary from antiquity to the 18th century, secret grottoes, elaborate fountains and more – with the incredible grotto made by the artist Buontalenti between 1583 and 1593 standing out as a particular Mannerist masterpiece that is otherworldly in its unique beauty.
Designed by Renaissance architect Vasari for the initial use and pleasure of the powerful Medici family, the grounds have expanded in scale, elaboration, and access in the centuries since. Sprawling over 111 acres, this meticulously designed and wonderfully maintained gem is a true wonder.
Book your villa in Florence and come take a moment of peace and tranquillity by wandering through the different sections of the gardens, stumbling across the endless surprises and delights, admiring the panoramic views over the city, and generally soaking up the impressive beauty of the space between your adventures in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Boboli Gardens
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze
+39 055 23885
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 8.15am to 4.30pm (January, February, November, December), 5.30pm (March – in winter time - and October), 6.30pm (March - in summer time- April, May, September, October - in summer time), 7.10pm (June, July, and August).
Closed on the first and last Monday of the month (excluding 24 April and 1 May 2023) and the 25th of December.
Tickets:
Full price - €11
Reduced (for European citizens from 18 to 25) - €3 (Usually €2 but an extra Euro has been added from the 15th of June to the 15th of September 2023 in order to support the population struck by the flood in Emilia Romagna)
Free admission for those under 18, students, and guests with disabilities and an accompanying guest.