
© Shutterstock
Located in the historic center of Florence, behind the Palazzo Pitti, this garden is undoubtedly the most famous in the entire city. A must-see visit during your stay in Florence, if only for the exceptional view you'll have of the city!
Indeed, this 45-hectare haven of peace, overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city, has many assets worthy of its reputation. Famous names have participated in its evolution since its creation in 1550, and you need to count at least 2 hours to appreciate all its beauty.
What to see? How to visit the Boboli Gardens in Florence? We answer all your questions.
History of the Boboli Gardens Florence
It was the wife of Cosimo I de' Medici, Eleanor of Toledo, who took charge of landscaping this garden when purchasing the Palazzo Pitti in 1550.
Renaissance-style gardens with geometric patterns were created along with grottos, fountains, an amphitheater, and finally, statues were installed to perfect the romantic atmosphere of this Italian garden. It opened its doors to the general public starting in 1776.
Often considered an open-air museum, it served as an example to European courts and obtained UNESCO World Heritage classification in 2013.

What to see at the Boboli Gardens in Florence?
Among the masterpieces exhibited in this garden, you will find:
1 – The Amphitheater
Located behind the Palazzo Pitti, the hippodrome-shaped amphitheater is surrounded by hedges and statues inspired by Roman myths. In the center stands an Egyptian obelisk from Luxor, which was originally designed at the request of Ramses II.
2 – The Grande Grotte di Buontalenti
One can only fall under the charm of the marble statues depicting Apollo, Paris, Helen, and Venus.

This water garden houses at its center the Fountain of the Ocean, whose statues represent strange mythological creatures. It consists of several chambers decorated with frescoes. Also to see: The Grotticina della Madama or Madame's Grotto.
3 – The Viottolone
This grand tree-lined avenue, which descends steeply, is bordered by terraces, tree tunnels and foliage, where you will find refreshing coolness and shade during the hottest summer days!

Perfect spots to sit, read, chat, or catch your breath. It leads you directly to the Isolotto, a 17th-century pond.
4 – The Fountains
The statue of Bacchus has taken the form of the dwarf Morgante riding a turtle.

A jester mistreated at the Medici court upon his arrival, who, through intelligence and skill, managed to earn a place of honor with Cosimo I as personal advisor.
- The Neptune Fountain, recognizable by its trident with which he strikes sirens and tritons.
- The Ocean Fountain, in the middle of the Isolotto pond, 3 sculptures represent the Nile, the Ganges and the Euphrates.
- The Jupiter Fountain
- The Artichoke Fountain decorated with statues and whose basin is crowned with bronze lilies.

5 – The Kaffeehaus
This Rococo-style pavilion dates from 1775, it was nicknamed thus because it is the place where Leopold I of Tuscany, the Archduke of Austria, came to have his coffee accompanied by his court.

Today, it is possible to have a coffee at the top of the building and admire the Viottolone.
6 – The Knights' Garden
A magnificent place where fragrant roses and May flowers bloom under the protective eye of 2 marble muses.

Cherry on the cake: enjoy a spectacular view from the terrace of magnificent Florentine mansions rising in the middle of the green countryside.
7 – The Porcelain Museum
A very beautiful collection of porcelain from Italy, France and Germany, with paintings of floral and other inspirations. Pieces of great refinement.

How to visit the Boboli Gardens in Florence?
- Visiting the Boboli Gardens in Florence requires that you dedicate at least 2 hours, or even half a day if you have the possibility, to discover every corner.
- The attendance of this park, extremely appreciated by locals and tourists, is high all year round and at any time of day. However, a visit between May and June will allow you to appreciate the roses and other dahlias in the garden at their true value as they will be in full bloom, there will be fewer people than in July/August, and it's cooler in spring.
- Warning: many objects are strictly prohibited to best preserve the garden, namely: walking sticks, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or scooters and anything motorized, even electric. No animals either, except guide dogs.
- People with reduced mobility can access the Boboli Gardens through Piazza Pitti or Piazza Romana, but an accompanying person is necessary because of the clay and gravel that essentially compose the ground of this site. Furthermore, there are quite a few slopes to go up or down.
- Remember to buy your ticket in advance to avoid queuing on the day.
- Guided tours are offered.
Practical information about the Boboli Gardens Florence – 2022
Opening hours
The Boboli Gardens are open daily from:
- 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM from November to February,
- 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM in March,
- 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM in April, May, September, October,
- 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM from June to August,
- 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM in October
Exceptional closures: the 1st and last Monday of each month, January 1st and December 25th.
Boboli Gardens Florence prices
Free entry on the 1st Sunday of each month, as well as for disabled people and children under 18.
- Adult: €10
- Adult 18-26 years: €5
- Adult: €6
- Adult 18-26 years: €3
Bus : lines 11, 36 and 68.
This Italian garden is really worth seeing, with its terraced gardens, typical geometric patterns, symmetrical lines, art works inspired by antiquity and the majestic cypresses symbols of Tuscany. Finally, the panorama over Florence is simply sublime!