Would appreciate your rants and raves about these two places. Have run across mixed reviews in my readings so far.

Got the feeling they are not true "must do's" especially on a short trip of two days or so.

I personally wouldn't have them as must do's on a short trip to Florence.

When we were there a couple of years ago, the gardens were in need of some maintenance. The more impressive sights in the gardens were the views over Florence from the bottom of the hill, and the Tuscan countryside from the rose garden at the top of the hill.

As for the palace, it was nice, but not awe inspiring, IMO. The exterior wasn't all that ornate, but the fountains and paintings were interesting. I found the palace to include more works of art than furnishings, as many palaces do.

I would be sure to include the Duomo, the Baptistry, Accademia, Uffizi, and other important sights over the palace and gardens, but that's just my opinion.

Hi C,

I agree with Statia.

me too

I agree with the other postings about not visiting the Pitti Palace and the gardens if you are on a short visit, especially if it's a first visit. We visited the Pitti Palace the last time we were in Florence because there were a few paintings there that we'd really been wanting to see. I think the most interesting part of the visit is seeing the art displayed as it was in the past. There's not the "neatness" of most museums and the paintings are jam packed onto the walls almost from floor to ceiling (and those up high are really hard to see). There's no order that I could figure out except that a painting must have been placed on whatever spot happened to be available.

I think the only way that I'd do the Pitti on a short visit is if the hotel happened to be very close to it.

If you're going to be there only a couple of days, be sure to make reservations for the Uffizi and the Accademia; the lines are not usually too bad at the others. We really like the Bargello; great sculpture (four Davids) and we've never had to wait in line. Be sure to check the opening times at any of the museums; we've never been able to see Fra Angelico's frescoes at San Marco because every time we've gone, it's not been open, and the Bargello sometimes seems to change opening times daily.

Have a great trip.

W. A. Robison
Pack Your Bags: www.warobison.com

We went to see the Boboli Gardens in September a few summers ago following the heat wave of Europe. I don't know if it was because of the time of year or weather, but of all we've seen on our 4 trips to Italy, Boboli Gardens was the biggest disappointment. Hope this helps...

I'll kick some more sand on the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Way down on the list of must do's on a short trip in a city with as much life as Firenze. Leaves more time for gelato

I have been to both. I agree with the previous posters. The garden was not that well maintained. Pitti Palace, while interesting to see how Medicis lived, nothing seemed to stand out. There were some good views of the Florence from Boboli gardens, but then again you can do that from Piazzale Michelangelo. Not must do's.

There are many other things to see that are much better. Especially ina short time.

When I was there, it was run down. I was very disappointing and a waste of time.

I agree, unfortunately. I was very much looking forward to the Gardens, but both my husband and I were a bit disappointed (though we had a refreshing nap under one of the trees!)

Depending on your time of year, I would highly recommend the community rose garden, which is open May 1 - June 15. It's near the Piazzale Michelangelo, and offers similarly stunning views without the crowds (and of course, beautiful roses).