The Boboli Gardens in Florence
These Adjoin the Pitti Palace Alongside the River Arno
The nearest most tourists get to seeing these beautiful gardens is when exiting at the rear of the palace. From there a part of the gardens can be seen, but it is the view of Florence from the terrace that attracts the visitors.
The Medici were responsible for these Renaissance gardens. In 1549 the family purchased the Palazzo Pitti and probably spent a fortune on the landscaping. Near to the palace there are several formal gardens which are divided by box hedges.
Facing the gardens from the palace, to the left is a garden of lawns and paths. This has the Ganymede Fountain in the center and a Rococo style pavilion to the rear. That was built in 1776 and is now a coffee house which is open during the summer.
On the hill beyond the Kaffeehaus is Forte di Belvedere from where the views of Florence are even better than from down below on the terrace.
Immediately in front of the palace's "back" entrance is the Amphitheatre. The stone for the palace was quarried from here and the area then turned into a stage where opera was performed.
A climb up through the Amphitheatre leads to the Neptune Garden, named for the statue in the middle of the pool.
A stroll along the Viottolone (an avenue of cypress trees planted in the 17th century and interspersed with statues) leads into the Piazzale dell-Isolotto (Little Island). In the center of the island is a copy of the Fountain of Oceanus (the original is in the Bargello). The island is surrounded by a "moat" in which there are statues of frolicking peasants.
There are several other gardens through which to wander and plenty of seats for relaxing to enjoy the views and the peacefulness.
The Pitti Palace
The Pitti is now a series of museums such as Modern Art, Costume, Silverware (which includes gold, stone- and glass-ware).
The opulent Palantine Gallery has an overwhelming display of old masterpieces and the Appartamenti Monumentali are, literally, monumental. They are highly ornamental with a red and gold Throne Room and a room with a painted and arched ceailing, frescoes and paintings, all illuminated by crystal chandeliers.
The suite has several other sumptuous rooms.
It is very easy to spend a whole day strolling through the Pitti Palace and relaxing in the Boboli Gardens.
The Medici Tombs
In 1520 Michaelangelo started work on the Medici Tombs which are in the church of San Lorenzo. The funerary figures include Night, Day, Dawn and Dusk and are considered to be some of his finest work.
The Capella dei Principi (the Medici mausoleum) is a fabulous work of art in marble. It was begun in 1604 by Matteo Nigetti but was not finished until 1962. The dome is lined with frescoes and the walls and floor are of colorful marble.
The church of San Lorenzo is on the other side of the River Arno from the Pitti Palace and admission to the Capella is from the Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini.
On Easter Sunday in Florence there are processions, flag throwing culminating with the Exploding Cart.
For more information about Florence log on to their web site.
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