Gigantic 16th Century Brick And Stone Sculpture Of A Guardian Colossus

Just north of Florence, Italy lies a beautiful park with a rich historical background – the Park of Pratolino. In 1568, the estate was bought by Francesco I de Medici and named it Medicean Paggeria of Pratolino. It is said that the Grand Duke of Tuscany bought the estate as a gift for his mistress Bianca Cappello. The Duke commissioned a renowned architect in order to turn the estate into a fairy-tale property. A lavish villa was built which was surrounded by a picturesque park, indeed turning it into a paradise. The park consisted of beautiful gardens, gorgeous water fountains, and impressive bronze statues. One of these statues is the Colossus of the Apennines, a colossal brick and stone structure that depicts a brooding guardian.

Created by Italian sculptor Giambologna, Colossus of the Apennines is the only surviving statue in the Park of Pratolino. When Francesco and Bianca died, the beautiful property eventually succumbed to decrepitude. The magnificent villa was later destroyed and the surrounding park also died along with it. In 1872, the property was bought by the Russian prince Paolo II Demidoff. The prince went on to restore the ruined villa as well as the abandoned park. He then changed the estate’s name to Villa Demidoff. A hundred years later, the Florence Province Council decided to buy the property. And later turned it into a public park which is now known as the Park of Pratolino.

Gigantic 16th Century Brick And Stone Sculpture Of A Guardian Colossus

You may also like