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Fontana di Giove: A Glimpse into Medici Splendor

Discover the Fontana di Giove in Villa Demidoff, a blend of Renaissance art and natural beauty in the hills of Florence.

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The Fontana di Giove, or Fountain of Jupiter, is a historic fountain located in the Villa Demidoff park in Vaglia, near Florence. Originally part of the Medici estate of Pratolino, the fountain depicts Jupiter, king of the gods, and offers a glimpse into the artistic and symbolic richness of the Renaissance era.

A brief summary to Fontana di Giove

Local tips

  • The Villa Demidoff park is open from March 31st to October 27th on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Entrance to the park is free, offering an accessible way to experience the art and nature.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic area, surrounded by the park's beautiful scenery.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Florence, take ATAF bus 25A from Piazza San Marco towards Pratolino. Ensure it's the 'A' bus, as other 25 buses may not reach Pratolino. The bus stop is a short walk from the park entrance. Bus tickets cost around €1.50.

  • Car

    From Florence, drive towards Piazza della Libertà and follow the signs for 'Ponterosso – Via Bolognese'. Continue along SS65. A parking lot is available opposite the entrance to Villa Demidoff. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €1-2 per hour.

  • Train

    Take a train from Firenze S.M.N. to Vaglia. From Vaglia, you can take a bus (307 A) to Parco Mediceo di Pratolino - Villa Demidoff. The train journey is approximately 28 minutes and costs €2-€4. The bus ride from Vaglia to the park is around 17 minutes.

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Discover more about Fontana di Giove

Located within the Villa Demidoff park, the Fontana di Giove offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the Medici era. Originally commissioned by Francesco I de' Medici for the Pratolino estate, the fountain once stood as a prominent feature, embodying the harmony between nature and human artistry. The statue was sculpted by Baccio Bandinelli and was meant to represent the Eternal Father for the Duomo of Florence, but Francesco I moved the statue to Pratolino. The fountain depicts Jupiter with an eagle. In its original form, a bronze thunderbolt in Jupiter's hand spouted water into the basin below. The park itself, now known as Villa Demidoff, has undergone transformations since its Medici origins. In 1872, it was sold to Prince Pavel Pavlovich Demidov, who restored some structures. The Province of Florence acquired the property in 1981 and opened it as a public park. While the original Baccio Bandinelli sculpture was moved to the Boboli Gardens in Florence in 1824, a modern sculpture of Jupiter with an antique eagle now stands in its place at Villa Demidoff. The park provides a blend of history, art, and nature, with walking trails and monumental trees.

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