Hi - I'm putting together an outline of my 'A' sites to see, grouping them together so as not to criss-cross the city too much. I know everyone has their timing on how long they would visit a location, but looking for a range of time that you think would make sense for the Palace and Gardens for our time on that side of the Arno? We are not people who examine everything, and would stick with the Palantine Gallery and Royal Apartments, and thought the Gardens would be a nice place to visit and see some greenery. Thoughts on how long to allocate/consider? Thanks!!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
Tough one, Debbie. The Palatine Gallery is much bigger than it looks, and the gardens are vast. Not Versailles-type vast, mind you, but plenty big enough. We were there the lion's share of a day and didn't cover it all: skipped the Silver Museum and Modern Art Gallery, and took a quick peek at the Porcelain Gallery only because it was in the gardens (had the full combo ticket which included everything). We also didn't begin to cover all of the garden area.
I would say to plan for at least a solid 1/2 day. Be aware that the Boboli aren't gardens as you may think of them - not much for flowers - and they're just about to undergo a major 3-year restoration!
http://www.theflorentine.net/news/2017/04/gucci-to-finance-restoration-of-the-boboli-gardens/
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8076 posts
You could mention the month of the year for better Garden advice. I happened to see a superb art exhibition at the Belvedere in the Boboli, which seemed as far as you could walk and still be in the gardens. If you are going during the peak, sweltering months, you may spend only ten minutes in the gardens. But they are very nice. As another posted, check to see if they will be closed. Italy isn't always good about providing advance notice of such things. So ask at the TI as soon as you arrive in Florence.
Posted by
OP
NC
221 posts
Thanks for the information. Forgot to mention we'll be there Oct 8-12 (middle of our trip). I may need to decide on one or the other (depending on whether we feel like being outside or seeing the Palace), or even neither if we've got too much else we're seeing. Or if weather isn't cooperating then that could decide us on seeing the Palace vs the Gardens. Thanks again!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
Sounds like a plan, Debbie. I wouldn't worry about the gardens being closed 'cause even though work has already begun, they're so big that I imagine it'll only affect a section at a time.
More on the project:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/gucci-uffizi-gallery-boboli-gardens-restoration-917474