Pratolino, the wonderland garden
A magical oasis for visitors to have fun, relax and learn about Tuscany’s flora and fauna
Located just a few kilometres from the centre of Florence, the Park of Pratolino is a tourist destination offering art alongside the enchanting beauty of meadows, woods and ponds. The nature reserve, which is one of the biggest in Tuscany, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magical environment is suitable for children and perfect for family hikes.
The park was built in the second half of the 16th century when the Grand Duke of Florence, Francesco I de’ Medici, bought the land and entrusted architect Bernardo Buontalenti with the transformation of the original estate into a fairytale garden and villa for his wife, Bianca Cappello.
Among the monuments dating back to the Renaissance, visitors can admire The Appennine Colossus, the stables, the Chapel, Cupid’s Grotto and the Viale Degli Zampilli.
The park’s earliest renovation work was conducted by Granduke Ferdinand III of Lorraine who succeeded the Medici at the beginning of the 19th century. The park was then sold to Russian Prince Paolo Demidoff who carried out the second restoration.
In 1981, the Province of Florence bought the 155-hectare park, to turn it into a public space.
Today, the Park of Pratolino is a place for fun, relaxation and slow tourism, where young and old people alike can experience nature, learning about local flora and fauna.
Find out more about the activities in the Park of Pratolino at cittametropolitana.fi.it
