Firenze: Splendour in the Park

Cupid cave, Gamberaia, Voliera, Paggeria, Peschiera della Maschera, Cappella, and obviously the Colossus of the Apennine. And meadows as far as the eye can see, century-old oaks, cedars and horse-chestnuts, lakes and streams, villas and buffets.
Property of the Province of Florence and opened to the public in 1981, the Mediciean Park of Pratolino is one of the most evocative appointment in the Florentine area. A vegetation resource of extraordinary beauty, a magnificent, enchanting park wanted in the Renaissance by Grand Duke Francis I de’ Medici who called the architect Bernardo Buontalenti to plan it. The artist designed a big garden of wonders where nature and art interlace inseparably and harmoniously, as best Tuscan tradition.

It surprises for the number of works of art and for the setting up elegance; originally the space was characterised by peculiar waterworks and masterpieces of remarkable charm, as the Apennine, for instance, by Giambologna, who made it between 1579 and 1580, the inside of which could once be visited. The outline of the big old bearded man created by the French sculptor is still standing out, symbol of the park, over a little
lake full of water lilies. In the course of time changes have been remarkable; the most important one was in 1819 when an “English” style placing was given to the park, property by that time of Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Lorraine, corresponding to its current aspect.

After a period of decline, during which even the main building of the estate was destroyed – Villa dei Medici – the grand Duke brought it back to its past glories and then sold it to Prince Demidoff who renovated the buildings left at the end of 1800. Among these buildings the Paggeria which became the family house. It is still possible to enjoy the monumental beauty of the park where the Province organises often sports events, shows, conferences and symposia.

(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
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