Exploring Florence’s Boboli Gardens

I have been many times to Florence, but had never been to the Boboli Gardens of the Palazzo Pitti.

I visited recently, and after spending almost five hours in the Uffizi, admiring (for the umpteenth time) many of the masterpieces of art, I went out into the beautiful day and decided it was perfect to go explore the Boboli Gardens.

I’m so happy I did.

The Boboli Gardens were laid out by the Medici family, begun in 1549 after they purchased the Palazzo PittiIt is considered one of the most important examples of Italian gardens -and replicated in many royal residences.

Behind the palace, the gardens are planted geometrically, with hedges and trees. It was a hot day, and I must admit I did not realize how extensive the gardens were. In my defense,  I started the day early – with a 5:40 am train from Rome. A long-winded way to say, all that walking in the extensive Boboli gardens left me exhausted!

But it was worth it. The gardens, on the opposite side of the Arno Rover, also has great views over the city.

These gardens are considered a msterpiece of stylized Renaissance gardens.

They also have a long history of public access. The Boboli Gardens opened to the public for the first time in 1766.

When I was there, there were plenty of performances and concerts – making it a great way to stop and relax along my wanderings.

There were cypress groves, and plenty of statues and fountains dotting the picturesque walkways.

It was a hot day, so I definitely found myself scoping out benches under shady trees to catch my breath and relax before tackling yet more hills.

All in all, a wonderful day in the Boboli Gardens. I’m so happy I (finally) explored these gardens – and I’ll definitely be back soon!

A perfect add-on to my intensive musuem day in Florence.