One of the many museums of Florence is the charming and singular Stibbert Museum. Less well-known to international tourists but with an astounding collection, it has an extensive collection of objects and art works from all around the world. Based on the collections of the wealthy Federico Stibbert who was the grandson of Giles Stibbert (Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company and Governor of Bengal), inherited a great fortune, and then dedicated his life to accumulating an extraordinary collection of art, arms, costumes and objets d'art. He filled his home with these objects and after he died in 1906, he left the villa and everything inside to the city of Florence, and it was opened as a museum.
The museum is, of course, fascinating. However, the grounds in which it is located, Stibbert Park, is equally lovely. With a separate entrance to the museum, it is free to enter and is one of the most magical parks in the city.
Designed by Poggi, who was famous for having been the mastermind behind the renovation of Florence between 1865 and 1870, it is a lush space modelled on English gardens. The crowning glory is the Egyptian temple, which mimics an ancient tomb for the pharaohs and was originally adorned with actual Egyptian stone dressings and sculptures.
Quiet and peaceful, this fantastical place is a wonderful spot to stroll, jog, lay out on the grass, or study or read at the benches and tables that dot the space. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are looking to take a break from the hubbub of the city, it is an ideal, and little-known, space in the city and a truly magical secret garden.
Park and Museum Stibbert
via Federigo Stibbert, 26 Florence
Park opening hours:
April-October 8.00-19.00
November-March 8.00-17-00
Designed by Poggi, who was famous for having been the mastermind behind the renovation of Florence between 1865 and 1870, it is a lush space modelled on English gardens. The crowning glory is the Egyptian temple, which mimics an ancient tomb for the pharaohs and was originally adorned with actual Egyptian stone dressings and sculptures.
Quiet and peaceful, this fantastical place is a wonderful spot to stroll, jog, lay out on the grass, or study or read at the benches and tables that dot the space. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are looking to take a break from the hubbub of the city, it is an ideal, and little-known, space in the city and a truly magical secret garden.
Park and Museum Stibbert
via Federigo Stibbert, 26 Florence
Park opening hours:
April-October 8.00-19.00
November-March 8.00-17-00
