These walking gardens were created when the Medici family took possession of the Pitti Palace in the mid 16th Century. They extend from the hill behind the Pitti Palace as far as Porta Romana.

The Medici and the Lorraine families continued to enrich and enlarge the garden throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

They added lovely meadows, avenues, small groves and many Roman and 16th and 17th century statues which can be seen along the tree lined avenues and water features. 

A few newer modern art sculptures have now also been added.

These are public park style gardens and not an intense botanical experience. 

But it was the Italians who first brought formal, avenue style park gardens to the world so they have great historical interest as well as being a wonderfully restful place to visit.

As such these are not rated as a Great Garden of the World - but a very influential one and a park that is delightful to wander through.

On a warm Florentine day, a walk in the Boboli Gardens will reward you beyond measure - perambulation is the cure for many modern ills.