Explore the Boboli Gardens on a captivating Boboli Gardens tour

Boboli Gardens Among Florence’s Beauties

As mentioned, the combination of Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens is inseparable. The birth of the gardens is closely linked to the palace’s construction, as it was considered its completion according to the taste of the time. Together with others, such as Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the Boboli Gardens is a perfect example of an Italian garden. This style originated in our country between the late Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance and has been exported, imitated, and admired worldwide for centuries. Like the classic Italian gardens, Boboli also features geometric structures that repeat rigorously yet harmoniously, seamlessly integrating lush natural elements thanks to the Florentine climate, Roman and modern art pieces, and genuine antiquities. Covering an area of 45,000 square meters, it ranks among the top things to see in Florence, attracting nearly a million visitors each year.

But what does “Boboli” mean? It probably derives from the Borgolo family, who owned the land bought by the Pitti family. It all began in the mid-1300s when the Pitti family purchased the land to build both the Garden and the eponymous palace (which, however, soon passed to the Medici family due to a lack of funds to complete the work). It was only when the property came under the control and good taste of Eleonora di Toledo (during the Medici era) that the Garden gained greater importance, becoming the subject of attention, expansions, restorations, and embellishments under the guidance of several important artists and landscape designers. Most structural and artistic modifications followed the tastes of the various families that succeeded one another inside Palazzo Pitti: from the Medici to the Habsburg-Lorraine and, finally, the Italian royal family, the Savoy. However, it was only during the 17th century that the Boboli Gardens underwent massive extensions, reaching its current dimensions.

In any case, you cannot help but be carried away by the main avenue, from which enchanting paths branch out, inviting you to a springtime stroll. Each path will lead you to a different marvel: an adorned natural cave, a gushing fountain, or curious buildings, and you won’t stop marveling. It is advisable to visit it at the beginning or end of the fine season to enjoy its beauty in full bloom while avoiding the intense heat.

Florence: Points of Interest Within the Boboli Gardens

Like any respectable Italian garden, the Boboli Gardens have points of interest to be noticed. Although merely admiring them is enough to fill your soul and eyes with beauty, it is very interesting to discover their meaning, history, and curiosities. In general, we can divide the structure of the Boboli Gardens into two main axes that give it a vaguely triangular shape. Assuming your visit starts right after exploring Palazzo Pitti, you’ll find yourself facing the Cortile dell’Ammanati as you exit. To your left, you’ll see the Piazzale del Bacco, while if you decide to continue straight ahead, you’ll be on the main axis, where you’ll find the Amphitheater, the Bacino di Nettuno, and the Garden of the Cavaliere. In the following paragraphs, we’ll discover what to visit in Florence within the Boboli Gardens, starting with the Amphitheater.

Meridian Palace (Palazzina della Meridiana)

Entering the Boboli Gardens from Palazzo Pitti to your right, you’ll encounter the Palazzina della Meridiana (Meridian Palace). This neoclassical-style building, whose name refers to the (no longer present) sundial that used to be displayed inside it, is particularly important from an artistic point of view. Specifically, take a few minutes to admire the frescoes and costumes preserved in the Gallery of Costume. Adjacent to the building is the Garden of the Count, where they attempted to cultivate exotic plants, including coffee and pineapples, as evidenced by the bas-relief in the shape of a pineapple.

Grotta di Buontalenti

On the left side of the entrance to the Boboli Gardens from Palazzo Pitti, you will immediately find one of the most emblematic, complex, and meaningful attractions. We are talking about the Grotta di Buontalenti, a work commissioned by the Medici and initially created by Giorgio Vasari and completed by Bernardo Buontalenti between 1583 and 1593, both of whom were involved in the construction of the Boboli Gardens. This place encompasses various art forms, such as architecture, sculpture, and painting, harmoniously blended despite the mystical and fantastic figures. Already from the outside, we are captivated by the columns almost embedded in the spongy concretions and the reproductions of structures resembling stalagmites, which extend to the side niches (where we find the statues of Ceres and Apollo).

Looking upward, we notice the mosaics forming the frames, enriched with stuccoes resembling natural cave features. Inside, the amalgamation of different elements composing the first room of the cave creates an effect of wonder, chaos, and transformation, thanks to the many alchemical symbols. In this context, the reproductions of Michelangelo‘s four unfinished Prigioni (Michelangelo’s Prisoners) give the idea of emerging and colliding with other strange figures of animals and mysterious characters while the shepherds in the fresco find refuge and protection in the cave. We then move on to the second room, where the sculptural figures of Paris abducting Helen are added to the painted depictions of Juno and Minerva.

In the third room, the Fountain of Venus by Giambologna stands under a painted sky while four satyrs playfully splash the goddess. According to some interpretations, the first room represents the confusion caused by wonder, followed by the abduction of beauty (Paris and Helen), and finally, the nudity, the perfection of Venus’s beauty, in a crescendo of erotic tension.

When looking at the Grotta di Buontalenti, however, we must make a small effort of imagination to bring back to life the water games that once added astonishment to what we see today.

Kaffeehaus

On the left of the Amphitheater, near the entrance of Forte Belvedere and facing the Prato di Ganimede, there is a pavilion used by the court, as the name suggests, to enjoy coffee and hot chocolate. The Kaffeehaus dates back to 1776 and was designed by Zanobi del Rosso. It consists of three levels characterized by volumes that alternate concave and convex shapes, following an oriental-inspired rococo style. As we’ll see for the details of the Limonaia, the predominant color is “Verde Lorena” (Lorraine Green). The interiors are as fascinating as the exteriors, with frescoes creating the illusion of exotic environments. A must-visit in Florence is the bar with a panoramic view at the top of the Kaffeehaus, where you can refresh before exploring the Boboli Gardens.

Amphitheater

One of the first attractions we encounter while strolling through the Boboli Gardens is the Amphitheater, designed by Niccolò Tribolo. Most likely, there was once a small grove where the current Amphitheater stands. However, the continuous extraction of construction materials for Palazzo Pitti and the paving of Florence’s streets led to the formation of a suitable shape for the construction of the current structure. Inside, the terraces hosted nobles who attended shows and performances starting from 1599, as evidenced by the decorations that adorn it. Some festivities and performances, including naval displays, were even open to the public.

Starting from the late 1500s, this area was enriched with numerous sculptures and artworks, including a fountain (the Fountain of the Ocean, later moved to the Isolotto) and even the only Egyptian obelisk in Tuscany, dating back to the 16th century BC and originally located in the Temple of Isis in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis. This is the best spot to take a photo of Palazzo Pitti!

Bacino di Nettuno (Neptune’s Basin)

Continuing past the Amphitheater, we find the Bacino di Nettuno (The Fountain of the Fork), dating back to 1777 and built where a nursery once stood. As the name suggests, it features a central fountain with the God Neptune surrounded by other sea creatures. At the top, overseeing a Neptune about to strike a blow with his trident (hence the local nickname “Statua del Forcone” – Trident Statue), we find the Statue of Abundance, dating back to 1636, commissioned in memory of Giovanna of Austria, who died at the age of thirty-two, and whose features it assumes.

Giardino del Cavaliere (Knight’s Garden)

In the previous paragraphs, we mentioned the Giardino del Cavaliere: the axis’s final portion includes the Amphitheater and Bacino di Nettuno. This enclosed Garden has a military origin: it was built on one of the fortifications designed by Michelangelo dating back to 1529, in a defensive elevated position. The staircases leading to the Giardino del Cavaliere represent Jupiter and Flora, and once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by a geometric arrangement of low hedges and flowers. In the center, after the Fountain of the Monkeys, we find the Casino del Cavaliere, a small 18th-century building where Leopoldo de’ Medici met with writers and artists. Today, it houses the Museum of Porcelain and offers a wonderful panoramic view.

Before reaching the top, however, please pay attention to a secondary alley: it will take you to the Statue of Ceres and, continuing, to the Prato della Colonna. The symbolism behind the broken column refers to alchemical tradition, a symbol of connection between earthly and celestial forces, enriched by the nearby Lebanese cedar, a symbol of immortality and strength.

Zona di Annalena (Annalena’s Area) and Grotta di Adamo ed Eva (Grotto of Adam and Eve)

Once you’ve visited the Giardino del Cavaliere, the path will lead you to the so-called Viottolone. This avenue constituted another main axis and was built only later as part of the expansion project of the Boboli Gardens in the 17th century. You’ll find several secondary paths leading to the Zona di Annalena on your right. If you enter the Boboli Gardens from the Via Romana entrance, you’ll find yourself immediately in this area, named after a convent that once stood here. The entrance gate is recognizable by the two sleeping lions guarding it. In the same perspective as the gate, you’ll find the Grotto of Adam and Eve, dating back to 1817 and adorned not only with statues of the first couple (let’s ignore Lilith for a moment) but also with shells, mosaics, geometric patterns, and spongy concretions.

The design of this area is closely linked to the construction, in 1817, of the new Teatro di Corte (Court Theater), whose connecting passage was also embellished and redeveloped with an area suitable for the passage of carriages.

La Limonaia (The Lemon House) and La Fontana dei Mostaccini (The Little Mustache Fountain)

Citrus fruits are a part of our daily lives, but a few centuries ago, they were exotic. In Tuscany, it was nearly impossible to grow them. Their aesthetic and exotic charm led to the construction of various areas dedicated to their cultivation. One of the earliest examples of the Medici family is the Limonaia of the Boboli Gardens, where the plants could grow sheltered from the cold and inclement weather. The Limonaia was built on the Serraglio degli Animali (Animal Enclosure) site, dedicated to exotic animals donated to the structure’s owners, and as an extension of the previously used Stanzonaccio for citrus.

The structure, over 100 meters long, faces south, and the plants are arranged on two levels so that they don’t overlap and can fully enjoy the sunlight streaming through the large windows. A curious detail to notice is the color of the plaster near the windows, “Verde Lorena” (Lorraine Green), also found in the Kaffeehaus. The statues on the facade depict the Muses, while the square in front is dedicated to rose cultivation. Today, some plants cultivated in the Limonaia (about 500 in total) are direct descendants of those cultivated by the Medici.

On the opposite side, we find the Fontana dei Mostaccini, built-in 1619 by Romolo del Tadda. The name comes from the “mostaccini,” the masks adorn it. This fountain is articulated on multiple levels through small canals and serves the purpose of irrigation and water supply for various fountains. Additionally, the canals and basins were designed.

to attract smaller birds, which were then captured using special nets called “range” (spiders). The grove surrounding this area is also called “ragnaia” (spider area) because it was used to catch small birds thanks to the dense branches.

Isolotto and Vasca dell’Isola (Islet and Isola Basin)

Returning to the Viottolone, we proceed towards the peak of the Boboli Gardens, namely the Isolotto, with the Vasca dell’Isola designed by Alfonso and Giulio Parigi in 1618. Here, various mythological and historical figures and figures from popular tradition are crowded together. However, the “highlight” is found in the island’s center: the Fountain of the Ocean, created by Giambologna. The bas-relief narrates three scenes from classical tradition: The Rape of Europa, Neptune’s Triumph, and Diana’s Bath. The fountain is connected to the land by two walkways closed by wrought iron gates supported by two columns. On the columns, you’ll notice Capricorns, symbols of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, flanked by harpies and found in the nearby Fountain of the Harpies. Further ahead, you’ll also come across the Fountain of the Putti with its marine creatures, masks, and several surrounding statues.

In any case, in the center of the Isolotto, we find the God Neptune and three figures representing the Ganges, the Euphrates, and the Nile pouring water into the main basin (the Ocean). Moving away from the Isolotto and following the steps, you’ll arrive at two small structures with symmetrical designs. Here, two open-air temples stand, the perfect place to take a break before reaching the Prato delle Colonne, with its red marble columns among centuries-old plane trees. From an alchemical perspective, this point represents the conclusion of a long journey (through the symbols scattered throughout the Garden), from which we emerge victorious (note the laurel in this area, a symbol of victory), in a perfect balance between what towers above us and what we tread upon, represented by the columns.

Other things to see in Florence at the Boboli Gardens

Things to visit in Florence, and in particular, the Boboli Gardens, are, of course, numerous. We wanted to consider the most important ones and those that are most likely to leave you amazed and curious to know their meaning. However, this Garden offers a myriad of other works of art, especially sculptures, which deserve a brief mention.

For example, let’s talk about the Via Cerchiata, which we encounter before reaching the Vasca dell’Isola, a poetic avenue lined with cypress trees and statues. Another noteworthy spot is the Giardino di Madama (Madam’s Garden), with its small grotto, stalactites, and marble goats on the fountain, perfectly integrated into a delightfully geometric garden.

Near the entrance of Piazza Pitti, you’ll find the curious Fontana del Bacchino (Fountain of the Bacchino). This statue, a copy of the original, depicts the most famous dwarf at the court of Cosimo I, Morgante, in a grotesque style typical of the 16th and 17th centuries.

It’s impossible not to stop to take a photo of the iconic cracked face sculpture of Tindaro. You’ll find it near the Prato dei Castagni, heading towards the Casino del Cavaliere (and, therefore, the Museum of Porcelain). The sculpture dates back to 1994 and is the work of the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj, who wanted to represent the king of Sparta, whose fame and beauty endure, albeit worn, through the centuries.

Lastly, take advantage of the Fontana del Carciofo (Artichoke Fountain), created in 1639 by Giovan Francesco Susini, bringing together sculptures previously located in other parts of the Boboli Gardens. You’ll find it on the terrace at the main floor level of Palazzo Pitti, and the elements that stand out, apart from the artichoke-shaped base, are the marine elements (shells, turtles, swans, dolphins) and mythical creatures, such as nereids, satyrs, and tritons. Originally, the latter was located under a bronze lily from which water gushed and from which the fountain takes its current name.

These are just some of the wonders of the Boboli Gardens; we leave the honor and burden of discovering the other hidden gems to you!

Curiosities to Know Before Visiting the Boboli Gardens in Florence

• This Garden was not accessible to the general public until after the mid-1700s, during the reign of Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine.
• It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
• Before the Pitti family purchased the land on which the Boboli Gardens were established, it belonged to the Borgoli (or Borgolo) family, which likely evolved into the current name “Boboli.”
• The Fontana dei Mostaccini (Little Mustache Fountain) is a beautiful artistic example and functional: its small waterfalls were designed to provide fresh water to decoy birds, trained and used for bird hunting.
• Until 1924, due to its unique beauty, the Grotta di Buontalenti housed Michelangelo’s Four Pigeons.
• All the water used in the fountains of this Garden comes from the Giardino del Cavaliere (Knight’s Garden) and converges into the Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune’s Fountain). Interestingly, the engineering project devised for the water supply of this fountain and all the others in the Boboli Gardens set an example for later constructed gardens, utilizing different heights and levels.
• The collection of Camellias in the Boboli Gardens dates back to the 17th century and has been maintained to this day.
• Some of the maintenance work in the Boboli Gardens has been made possible thanks to the proceeds from the Gioco del Lotto (Lotto game).
• The citrus trees cultivated in the Limonaia (Lemon House) grew in special vases called “conch” since they were moved indoors in winter to protect them from the cold. To maintain an optimal level of humidity, gravel was preferred over pavement.

Boboli Gardens, Florence: Tickets, Entrances, Opening Hours, and How to Get There

The area of Florence with the Boboli Gardens is Oltrarno, practically in the heart of the city. However, there is no unique address, as it depends on your starting point. To access the Boboli Gardens, there are four entrances:

Palazzo Pitti (Ammannati Courtyard)
Forte Belvedere
Annalena Entrance (Via Romana)
Porta Romana

Boboli Gardens: How to Get There

Excluding car travel due to the central location, we recommend reaching the Boboli Gardens on foot or by bus. By bus, the nearest stop is Campuccio, served by lines 11, 36, 36A, and 37. From there, you can walk along Via Romana or Santa Maria, arriving in about fifteen minutes. On foot, you can start from the historic center, follow the signs for Ponte Vecchio, cross it, and then continue along Via Gucciardini.

Boboli Gardens: Opening Hours

The gardens are open every day starting at 8:15. The closing time varies depending on the time of year, as follows:

November, December, January, February: 4:30 PM
March and October with daylight saving time: 5:30 PM
April, May, September, October, and March with daylight saving time: 6:30 PM
June, July, and August: 7:00 PM
The only closing days are January 1st, December 25th, and the first and last Monday of the month, except for the months from June to October.

Boboli Gardens: Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on this page, according to the following rates:

Regular single ticket: €10
Reduced single ticket: €2
With a single ticket for the Boboli Gardens, you also have free access to the Villa Bardini Gardens.

The reduced rate applies to all citizens of the European Union (including Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein) aged between 18 and 25.

Admission is free for minors, disabled visitors (with an accompanying person), school groups, tour guides and interpreters, teachers and university students, registered journalists, Italian citizens residing abroad (registered with AIRE), volunteers of associations, Ministry of Culture staff, and ICOM members.
If you want to skip the (often very long) line, making a reservation is better. The reservation costs €3, and we refer you to the dedicated page for detailed instructions.

Naturally, as soon as you arrive, you will receive a map of the Boboli Gardens to help you navigate. However, we’ll give you a sneak peek in a somewhat unusual form: the following is a plan of the Garden dating back to the late 18th century!