Many of you probably do not know it.

It is not one of the main highlights in Florence but it is an extraordinary work of art and after two years of restauration and conservation work it has been unveiled to the public… finally!

The Florentines call it the Giant for its dimensions, but its real name is Appennino. Yes, exactly like the mountains and, in fact, it is located in the park of Villa Demidoff, in Pratolino, which is on the hills near Florence, on the way to the mountains.

It was realized by the Flemish artist Giambologna between 1579 and 1580 for the Medici family (the park was one of their hunting reserves) and it is the protector of the park. Beyond its grandeur (it’s fourteen meters high) it’s a wonderful sculpture.

The outer part is completely covered with plaster and stone. The rocky hair, the eyebrows, the moustache and the beard make him appear like a creature that emerges from the ground, and its posture also indicates a figure that is rising. Its face and muscles are clearly defined and give the man a noble and extremely powerful aspect (try to imagine him standing up…)

The internal part housed different spaces and grottos, and an ingenious idraulic system. Now it is possible to visit the main underground chamber and just one of the grottos…

But it is definitely worth a visit.

Travel tips

Tha park of Pratolino is located outside the city. If you do not have a car at your disposal, but you are in Florence, you could take bus n. 25 from piazza San Marco (in the historical centre) and stop at Pratolino.
The park is lovely and it is possible to have lunch there or just have a drink in the restaurant which is located inside the garden.