Boboli Gardens Florence
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The Beautiful Boboli Gardens In Florence, Italy
- Sobus Ahomed
- September 05, 2023
- Camping
Table of Contents
Boboli Gardens, the largest open air-museum in Florence, is not just a garden. It contains some of the greatest examples of art and significant parts of history. From century-old oak trees to historical buildings, it has everything to amaze anyone. It is called the green lung of Florence, an example of green architecture, Giardino di Boboli, and so on.
I paid a visit to Boboli Gardens recently. My mind was blown up visiting this huge, diverse, and amazing place. I’ve tried to come up with an article containing everything you need to know about Boboli Garden. before paying a visit.
History of Boboli Gardens
The journey of Boboli Gardens started back in 1418 when the Borgolo family sold a piece of land to Luca Pitti. The land was south of the Arno River and a perfect place to live. Luca Pitti bought the place to develop a majestic palace.
Eleonora di Toledo, the wife of Cosimo I de Medici, bought the property in 1549, intending to build the city residence for the Medici family. Niccolò Tribolo is the person who planned the palace and gardens. But he died in 1550, and the rest was completed by architects like Giorgio Vasari, Bernardo Buontalenti, and Bartolomeo Ammannati.
In the next three centuries, the Medici and the Lorrain families expanded the garden and surroundings by constructing an outdoor museum and adding new trees. Both Roman and Renaissance statues and art enriched the museum.
Several events took place in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries to beautify and expand the garden.
Architecture in Boboli Gardens
Boboli Garden contains multiple buildings built in the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. They are some of the best architectural examples from that time.
Amphitheater
The Amphitheater was actually a quarry that was used to supply the materials to build Pitti Palace. Cosimo II decided to turn it into an Amphitheater.
First, they decided to make it a garden in the form of an Amphitheater. From then, multiple transformations took place. The last transformation was done in the 1990s.
It is a great place of interest for anyone who loves ancient history and architecture. Here stands an Egyptian Granite Obelisk, several statues, and several other interesting signs from the past.
Pitti Palace Boboli Gardens
Pitti Palace is a huge and magnificent palace from the 15th century that stands beside the Boboli Gardens. It was the residence of a Florentine merchant, Luca Pitti, who built it in the mid 15th century. This place attracts tourists because it is one of the largest and most magnificent Florentine palaces.
The palace houses 5 museums now with some greatest masterpieces from different eras. The museums are the Treasury of the Grand Duke, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, Royal and Imperial Apartments, and the Palatine Gallery.
For art students and enthusiasts, this place is full of valuable resources. Tourists also visit this place for both the architecture and the collection.
The Kaffeehaus in the Boboli Gardens
This circular-shaped building with an onion-shaped dome is one of the most interesting buildings in Boboli Gardens. It was the resting place of the Grand Duke.
It has a triangular stairway that visitors can use to explore the Koffeehaus. This is a place of art that contains paintings, terracotta floors, and white marble blocks. The architecture is different compared to the architecture of that time. Thus, Koffeehaus has become an attraction that tourists don’t want to miss.
Belvedere Fort
This fort is the largest of its kind in Florence. Being built at the end of the 16th century, this is also the second fort in the area. It is situated on the largest hill of Boboli Gardens.
As the fort was built to protect the area, its architecture contains multiple signs of military architecture. But it has several signs of the Italian Renaissance too. Thus, it has become one of the most interesting tourist attractions around the garden.
Besides being a tourist attraction, it is also used as an exhibition center where many exhibitions are arranged throughout the year. Celebrity couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian arranged their wedding here in Belvedere Fort.
Buontalenti Grotto In Boboli Gardens
Grotto means small caves. Buontalenti Grotto is one of the most attractive places in Boboli Gardens, which is decorated with sculptures, fountains, and more designed by a number of talented artists. This is my favorite place among all the attractions in Boboli Gardens.
The Grotto contains three rooms in a row. The first room is all about nature and metamorphosis. The second chamber contains decorations related to the Trojan War, and the last is decorated with fountains and sculptures.
Numerous sculptures and designs with historical importance have made the Grotto an amazing and attractive place. That’s why tourists like this more than the other two grottoes in Boboli Gardens.
The Lemon House In Boboli Garden
This was built as a winter shelter for the plants of Boboli Garden in 1777 when there were space issues in the other two shelters. Later, it was extended in 1816.
It is still being used as a shelter for around 500 citrus plants in the garden. Being surrounded by flower beds and plants, this is a nice place to explore. It has large windows for ventilation and lights. Don’t miss visiting Lemon House on your Boboli Garden tour.
Landscapes of Boboli Gardens
Being a large area, Boboli Gardens come with different types of landscapes in different parts. Here, I’ll be discussing some landscapes I’ve loved the most.
The Garden of the Royal Stables
If you like open, grassy fields, you may love this place. I spent around 30-40 minutes here and loved the time. It is actually an open space companying the complex of Royal Stable.
Besides green fields and walkways, the Garden of Royal Stables occupies several different types of trees and shrubs spread here and there. The complex itself is also a distinct and attractive structure.
This place is situated in the south part of Boboli Gardens.
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Branch Archways
Several branch archways are found near Cypress Lane in Boboli Gardens. I loved walking through the paths where the tree branches covered the path like archways. These paths are typically silent and calming.
It was designed as shade, protection, and shelter for the plants here. You’ll find large and small archways here, and you can spend as much time as you want in this silence. Also, you may encounter small animals and birds living here.
The Upper Botanical Garden
Branch Archways will take you to the Upper Botanical Garden, another place I’ve loved in Boboli Gardens. It was established in the 18th century to build a garden of edible plants and exotic and rare species. Later, it was added to the botanical garden.
This place still has some exotic plants and awesome landscapes. I’ve loved the variation in plants here. Here, you’ll find several aquariums for aquatic plants like water lilies.
The Upper Botanical Garden is another place of peace that clams the mind instantly.
Rich Collection of Boboli Gardens
Botany Roses
The botanically rich garden has more than one hundred and fifty different types of roses. Most of them are rare and ancient. Some of the uncommon roses are Rosa Blue Magenta, Rosa Viridiflora, Rosa Variegata di Bologna, Rosa Gallica Versicolor, Rosa Débutante, Rosa Gallica Officinalis, Rosa Clementina Carbonieri, Blarii no. 2 Rose, Rosa Banksiae Alba Plena, etc.
Palms
Boboli Gardens is also home to many types of palm trees. Some of them are extremely rare. A few palm tree species you’ll find here are Rhapis excelsa, Livistona australis, Butia capitata, Arenga engleri, Trachycarpus fortune, Thrinax parviflora, Washingtonia filifera, Sabal causarium, Chamaerops humilis, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Rhapis humilis, etc.
Citrus
The garden has a pointy drop shaped citrus tree called Citrus Medica Florentina, or Citrus of Florence. It has a significant value because it was used as a gift. The citrus originated in Media, which is in northwestern Iran today.
Citrus Aurantifolia Neapolitanum and Citrus Limon Melarosa are two other significant citrus fruits you’ll see, especially in this garden.
Orchids
You’ll also find several orchids here in Boboli Garden. I loved the Genus Anacamptis because of its bright purple color. It looks great. Also, the soft color of Genus Cephalanthera is very attractive. Also, you’ll find orchids like Genus Orchis and Genus Spiranthes here.
Others
Besides the above mentioned, numerous other flowers and plants are available in Boboli Gardens. Flowers like Hibiscus, Anemone, Crocus Sativus, Jasminum Sambac, etc., will blow your mind. Also, it is home to several types of cicas, including Cicas Revoluta.
Sculptures and Fountains
Bathing Venus
This marble sculpture was created following the most common designs for the garden sculpture of that time- a deity rising from the bath. Sculptor Giambologna started to build it in 1572 and ended it in 1584. However, the fountain on which it stands was made after 1593. So, it was not intended to be a garden sculpture, for sure.
The attractive pose of Goddess Venus blows everyone’s minds. This is a perfect sculpture from every angle.
Helen and Theseus
Vincenzo de’ Rossi has sculpted the moment of Helen’s abduction by Theseus, king of Athens. It was built between 1558-1560. Later, in 1587, it was placed in Buontalenti Grotto, the most attractive Grotto of Boboli Gardens.
This white marble sculpture is a sign of magnificent art and the ability of Vincenzo de’ Rossi as a sculptor. Sitting in the middle of the second room of Buontalenti Grotto, it is surrounded by some majestic signs of art. Still, it attracts tourists the most.
The Barbarian Prisoners and their Bases
The valuable collection of Boboli Gardens contains two statues called Barbarian Prisoners. The statues of Barbarian males are significant examples of Roman art. They are standing on Luna Marble bases.
Multiple sides of the bases are carved with meaningful pictures. The bases are the statues projected to be built in the 2nd and 3rd century A.D.
The Peasant and His Barrel
Giovanni Fancelli made this piece in 1554-1557 following the design of his master, Baccio Bandinelli. It was originally designed as a fountain. The pose was just the regular activity of pouring wine from a barrel.
This marble statue was shifted to Medici Villa of Pratolino in the 17th century. Later in 1773, it came back to Boboli Gardens.
I loved it because of its perfect making.
Jupiter seated
This is a sign of Baccio Bandinelli’s interest in sculpturing ancient events. This white marble sculpture was built in 1547 as God the Father. Later in 1587, it was reworked and turned into Jupiter. During the rework, it was turned into a fountain sculpture.
Besides these, Boboli Gardens has many other sculptures, including Apollo, Three statues of Grotesque figures or Carromogi, Tindaro Screpolato, Dionysus with herma, and more.
Why Visit Boboli Gardens?
Boboli Garden is one of the most famous tourist spots in Florence. Do you want to know why? Here are some reasons to visit this place.
- If you want to return to the 16th century for some time, this is the place. The Renaissance landscaping and design will take you to a few hundred years ago at once.
- Boboli Gardens’ majestic landscaping with green lawns, fountains, artistic sculptures, and picturesque pathways is the perfect place to soothe your eyes.
- This place is a haven for art lovers. You’ll find sculptures and other examples of art from the 16th century or even older times.
- From the elevated viewpoints, you can enjoy spectacular views that alone are worth your time and money spent to visit this place.
- Boboli Garden is the home of several rare and exotic plants. With them, the diversity of flora here is outstanding. For any botanist or nature enthusiast, this place is heaven.
- This is a popular tourist spot in Florence. Still, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. I picked this place just to relax for a day on my travel itinerary. Later I realized that even if you’re in a rush, you must visit this place.
- Boboli Garden has a cultural significance because of its rich history and artistic legacy. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Boboli Gardens Timetable
Opening Days
The garden is open from Monday to Sunday, which means every day of the week. However, there are some special days when it remains closed.
First, visitors are not allowed on the first and last Mondays of each month, except during the Summer months. Also, it remains closed on January 1st and December 25th.
Opening Time
Boboli Gardens hours vary based on the month.
From November to February, it opens at 8.15 am and closes at 4.30 pm.
In March, April, May, September, and October, the gates open at 8.15 am and closes at 6.30 pm.
From June to August, you’ll find it open from 8.15 am to 7.00 pm.
Boboli Gardens Tickets
I was pretty confused while buying tickets to enter Boboli Gardens. There were too many options, and it was tough to figure out things properly. Here, I’ll try to explain Boboli Garden tickets as easily as possible.
The regular ticket to this place costs around €6 per person. But as the entrances remain crowded, Skip-the-Line tickets are offered at the price of €18 per person.
Entry is free for anyone less than 12 years old. Also, disabled people and their companions can enter for free. However, for free entry, valid identity documents should be shown.
Online booking will require an additional €3 as a booking fee, applicable for free. Thus, free visits cost €3, regular tickets cost €9, and Skip-the-Line tickets cost €21.
Free entry is also possible on the first Sunday of every month.
Tickets for Boboli Garden + Pitti Palace
If you want to visit Pitti Palace too, you’ll find a cumulative ticket costing you around €14. Adding the online booking fee, you need to spend around €17.
This ticket doesn’t contain a skip-the-line opportunity.
Passepartout ticket
This ticket allows you to visit Boboli Garden and several museums and galleries in Florence. It costs around €38 during the season and €18 in off-season. Buying one ticket allows you to enter Uffizi Gallery, Boboli Garden, and Pitti Palace.
Other Options
You’ll find many third-party sellers and travel agencies selling Boboli Gardens tickets with tours to several other places. If you find them convenient, book those. Based on the itinerary, they’ll cost you between €25-€250.
What is the Best Way to Buy Boboli Gardens Tickets?
I guess the best way to buy tickets to enter this garden is to buy online. It needs an additional €3 but saves some time. While traveling, saving time is important.
Also, you can look for trusted travel agencies to help you. Reputed agencies won’t scam you.
Boboli Gardens Entrance
Pitti Palace
The most crowdy entrance of Boboli Gardens is the Pitti palace. Most people visit the gardens just after visiting the palace. That’s why the place remains crowdy most of the time. Also, finding a parking place here is pretty tough.
The typical waiting time here is around 20-30 minutes. However, this gate has priority tickets. So, you can expect faster entry with them.
This Boboli garden entrance opens at 8.15 am every day. The closing time varies based on the month.
Belvedere Fort
This is a comparatively new gate to enter Boboli Gardens. This Boboli garden entrance was opened in July 2022 for visitors who want to visit the Boboli Garden after exploring the fort.
Compared to the Pitti Palace entrance, the crowd is less here. Anyone can use the parking spot of the fort and enter the garden. Besides less crowd, this gate offers a stunning view of the garden being located on one of the hills.
The entrance is open at the same time as the gate of Pitti Palace every day. The typical waiting time here is around 5-10 minutes here. Also, priority tickets are available.
Porta Romana
This is another fast entrance to Boboli Gardens for people who want to minimize traveling in the city streets. You can enter the garden within 3-5 minutes of getting there. So, you won’t need any priority ticket. Also, admission is free.
The gate itself is something you must see. It is an ancient gate built in the 13th century. It is made following classic Italian architecture.
The gate opens every day at 8.15 am. However, the closing time matches the regular closing schedule I discussed earlier.
Annalena Gate
This gate is in Via Romana and close to the Boboli Garden Amphitheatre. It is another crowdy gate where people may have to wait around 15-25 minutes to enter the garden.
Priority tickets are available here for quick entrance. Like other gates, it opens at 8.15 am and closes following the schedule. However, entry is restricted 1 hour before closing.
This gate is not wheelchair accessible. So, people with disabilities will find it difficult to access the gardens through it.
Reaching Boboli Gardens’ Entrances
Using a Taxi or Car
This is the most comfortable and costly option to reach Boboli Garden. You can grab a taxi or hire a car from anywhere and follow the map to reach any entrance. However, if you hire it for the full day, try to enter using the least crowdy gates as parking spaces are limited.
Using a Train or Tram
Trains and trams have kept Florence City connected well. Taking Line R on the train, you can reach Santa Maria Novella station, which is just 15 minutes walking distance from Boboli Gardens. If you want to use the tram, also called the light rail, take Line T1. Unita is your expected station.
This is the most economical option.
Using Bus
C3, C4, and 11 buses will take you to the gate of Boboli Gardens. If you want to remember some close bus stations, Borgo S. Jacopo, Pescaia Di Santa Rosa, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station are some. After reaching any of these stations, ask someone, and you’ll get the direction.
Additional Services in Boboli Garden
Wheelchair Accessibility
The gates in Porta Romana and Pitti Palace are wheelchair accessible. Also, most places in this garden are accessible using a wheelchair. However, someone accompanying is a must because it has many descends and climbs.
Drinking Fountains
This place has several drinking fountains. You’ll find one near the Grotto of Adam and Eve. Others are near the Knight’s Garden, the Garden of Madama, and the Meadow of Columns. The exact locations are given in maps. However, having a water bottle is recommended.
Washroom
You’ll find one in the Via Romana entrance. Others are near the Amphitheatre, near the Garden of the “Hair Washer” Statue, and in the Porcelain Museum.
Boboli Garden Visitor Tips
- You won’t get many food options inside the garden. So, it is better to take your snacks or food.
- Also, keep water bottles with you. Drinking fountains are there, but they might be far from them.
- Have enough time to explore the place. You won’t want to exit it soon because of the vibe of the place.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for this. As it is a huge garden, you’ll have to walk a lot.
- Take a map of the place that includes notations of all the places of interest. Google Maps can help you find the way, but you may miss a few things as everything is not there on Google Maps.
- As closing time varies based on the month, check it first. Go there at least 4 hours before the closing time.
- It is an outdoor museum and garden, so keep sun protections like caps, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Check the rules and respect them. Don’t break the rules to avoid negative consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best time to visit this place is Spring. This is the time when the plants and trees are green. Also, you’ll see many flowers blooming. However, if you’re in Florence in Summer, visit there. During Summer, it offers shade and protection from heat.
If you ask about the day of the week, I’d ask to go any day. This place is huge. So, even on the most crowdy day, you’ll get the scope to spend some time avoiding people.
Hiring a guide is not mandatory here. Though it is a huge place, you can find your way. You can download a map of the place that contains locations and notations about the points of interest. This will save you from forgetting the entrance.
I think it is worth visiting the place. If you have an interest in arts, this is a must. Also, visiting Boboli Gardens will blow your mind if you love trees and natural diversity. Even if you aren’t interested in arts or botany, you’ll love the place as it is a wide open place with a nice environment.
