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We finally reached the second largest fortress to be built in Florence, Forte di Belvedere which was designed and built by Bernardo Buontalenti from 1590 through to 1595 under the order of the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de Medici).
It is said to have served several purposes from protecting the Government of Florence and the Medici family, should the city come under attack to protecting the Pitti Palace, having also been used by Galileo Galilei for his astronomical observations. The opulent villa at its centre, which was designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1570, is said to have served as the house of the grand Duke in times of unrest and epidemic.
Located on the highest hills of the Boboli gardens (whose extensive view over the gardens we could see) it offers outstandingly beautiful views of Florence.
The exhibition being held there was one of life-size sculptures scattered on the fortress ramparts and steps by the British artist Antony Gromley, I had never heard of but whom I've fallen for since I've been back home and further read about him. His concept of a close dialogue between sculpture and the environment is something that really touched us both apart from his own concept on life.
We were fortunate enough to have been able to see it, once it has been there since 2013 and will be finished on the 27th of this month.
(To be continued)
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