Boboli Gardens

These grounds were the private gardens of the Medici family. The Medici were the most powerful family in Florence and all of Italy and one of the wealthiest in Europe between the 14th and 18th centuries. They ruled through the bank they owned and the armies they could buy. The first great Medici was Giovanni (pictured at right).

The gardens were just across the Arno river and up the hill at the Pitti museo. When we had been in the "city" too long the open air and expanse of the gardens was welcomed indeed. I need some space and this place was so nice.

This large plaza contained about 20 statues and the big bath tub in the center. I think the whole place was a little 'strange'

Walking the gardens I spotted many drains made of stone and hundreds of years old. Each was a little different and I just loved them. I think the feet belong to Cosimo the Elder.

Here's a second one at the bottom of a path through intricate vines and bushes. We were followed down this path by a wild eyed cat so Bobbe really liked the place.

On the way out we found this magnificent building. It had a small grotto in the bottom . I wanted to buy it but it wasn't for sale. Gosh!

The colors and condition and the doors. It was like a light house in the garden with no sea within 50 miles. This picture makes it look like the tower in Pisa.

Bobbe took this perfectly composed picture looking back to the Duomo and Florence. She said her father taught her how to compose pictures...... my father taught me how to throw a baseball and change a tire. We spent about an afternoon at Boboli.. don't they make pizza dough...and then went to rest. You really do walk a lot when you're a tourist.