Pratolino Medici Park

A stone giant over ten meters tall, the Colossus of the Apennines, which towers over the pond covered with water lilies, created by the famous Renaissance sculptor Giambologna

It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Medici Park in Pratolino. However, the gardens and the villa offer many other extraordinary attractions.

Located about 15 kilometers north of Florence, the estate is one of the largest parks in Tuscany: along with other Medici gardens and villas, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, and visitors can explore it while enjoying long walks.

The Grand Duke’s Retirement

In 1568, Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici purchased the land near the village of Pratolino and had a villa and garden built there for himself and his mistress. The famous architect Buontalenti, who also designed the Boboli Gardens in Florence, was commissioned to create it. The park was adorned with numerous fountains, grottoes, and ornate statues and was considered an excellent example of Mannerism. After the demise of the Medici dynasty in 1730, it continued to fall into ruin due to changes in ownership. In its place, an English-style garden was created in the 19th century, and the Medici villa was demolished.

A new chapter

When the Russian envoy to Tuscany, Prince Paul Demidoff, purchased the estate in 1872, he breathed new life into it, expanding the house and earning the property the nickname “Villa Demidoff.” Since 1981, the estate has belonged to the Province of Florence. Today, the once-elaborate and meticulous design can only be imagined; the park has become a very romantic place: among the trees, some of which are centuries old, there are statues, fountains, a grotto dedicated to Cupid, the god of love, a Renaissance chapel, and much more.