Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

This beautiful garden originally belonged to the Medici family. The gates were not opened to the public until the late 18th century. As a refuge from the tourist-trodden city center, Boboli Gardens offers sanctuary from everyday life. The paths through this extensive green are lined with many sculptures and grottos designed by Giambologna, such as a statue of Bathing Venus. At the southwestern end of the park, you can also find Isolotto, a large fountain. The excellent landscaping, museums, and picturesque city views make this an excellent place for spending a sunny afternoon outdoors.

boboli gardens history

From its creation in the sixteenth century until the nineteenth century, numerous interventions have been made to the garden. Originally located behind Palazzo Pitti along Via Romana and up to the city gate, Boboli became a public space in the middle of the sixteenth century. I il Tribolo was an initial project entrusted to Niccol Pericoli by Cosimo I de’ Medici. A number of other great characters each contributed to the creation of the park in the following decades. Vasari, Ammannati, Giambologna, and Buontalenti are just a few of these.

Boboli gardens entrance location

There are four entrances to the Boboli Gardens, located at different points. the main one being the Palazzo Pitti. You can access Boboli Gardens by passing through the building’s internal courtyard, located just behind the main entrance. In addition to the palace entrance, you can also enter the garden through Forte Belvedere, via Via Romana 37/a, and via Piazzale di Porta Romana. We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 hours in the garden. Most people, however, prefer to spend even more time enjoying the park on beautiful days.

What to see in the Boboli Gardens

Buontalenti Grotto – There are caves in the garden, one of its peculiar features. The most famous is the Buontalenti Grotto, which can be found once you enter the park on the left side. The cave was built between 1583 and 1593 at the request of Grand Duke Francesco I de Medici. It is one of the finest examples of Mannerist architecture, sculpture, and painting. The work is very unique, and its sponge-inspired decorations surprise you from the outside. These types of decorations are repeated throughout the cave’s three rooms, consisting of concretions, stalactites, and rock formations.

Amphitheater of the Boboli Gardens – This architectural structure occupies a prominent position in the gardens of Pitti Palace, adorning the main axis of the structure on its rear facade. With terraces planted with plane trees, beech trees, oak trees, ash trees, elm trees, fir trees, and cypress trees, the theater’s current layout replaced the original from the second half of the 16th century.

Viottolone – Viottolone, or Cypress Avenue in English, is a wide boulevard that runs parallel to Boboli Gardens. The route begins at the “Isolotto,” an artificial island with a fountain and sculptures. The earthworks for creating this avenue began in 1612, encompassing labyrinths, ranges, and the Cruciate.

boboli gardens Tickets and opening hours

Cost of tickets

Full Ticket Price €10.00
Reduced Ticket Price €2.00 ( Young European Union citizens, and Norwegian, Icelandic, Swiss, and Liechtenstein residents between the ages of 18 and 25, receive the reduced admission fee. )

You can find more information about Boboli gardens’ FREE admission by visiting their official website. 

When you purchase a ticket for the Boboli Gardens, you are entitled to free admission to the Gardens of Villa Bardini.

Timetable

Click here to download the Boboli gardens map in PDF format

Book Skip the Line tickets through this link if you wish to avoid queues, which are likely to occur during high season.

tickets for boboli gardens 2023