Behind Palazzo Pitti, the Giardino di Boboli climbs the hillside in terraces of fountains, grottoes, statues, and cypress-lined avenues. Created for Eleonora di Toledo (Cosimo I's wife) in 1549, expanded over 4 centuries. The Amphitheatre (where the first operas were performed, 1590s). The Grotta del Buontalenti (a Mannerist cave with fake stalactites, Giambologna's Venus, and Michelangelo's Prisoners — copies, originals now in Accademia). The Viottolone (500m cypress avenue). The Kaffeehaus (18th-century pavilion, now café, panoramic terrace). Included in Palazzo Pitti €16 ticket.
Key stops: Grotta del Buontalenti (ask guard to open inner chambers — Giambologna's Venus in the 3rd room). Amphitheatre (granite basin from Caracalla baths + Egyptian obelisk from Luxor). Neptune Fountain (hilltop, city views). Isolotto (island garden with Oceanus fountain by Giambologna). Kaffeehaus (espresso with panorama). Porcelain Museum (top of hill, included). Duration: 1-2h walking. Combine with: Palazzo Pitti museums (morning) → Boboli (afternoon) → Oltrarno aperitivo.