BUONTALENTI, Bernardo
(b. ca. 1531, Firenze, d. 1608, Firenze)

Exterior view of the Grotto

1583-85
Photo
Boboli Gardens, Florence

The Buontalenti Grotto (also called "Grotta Grande" in Italian) is located in the far north of the Boboli Gardens alongside the entrance to the Vasari Corridor. The Grotto's origins are linked to the construction of the aqueduct coming from the Ginevra spring, whose construction began in 1551 for the purposes of supplying water first to the Boboli Gardens and then to Palazzo Vecchio. In addition to the pipeline leading from the Gardens to the Palace, a reservoir was built to ensure a continuous water supply even during dry periods. The first works began in 1557 under the direction of Davide Fortini, son-in-law of architect and sculptor Niccolò Tribolo who oversaw the first project of the Boboli Gardens. The same year the task was passed to Giorgio Vasari, who created the façade with Tuscan columns and pilasters supporting an architraved pronaos.

In its lower part, the façade has an opening with two columns supporting a trabeation. Above, an archway decorated with stalactites is topped with the Medici coat of arms. At the sides, the figures of Peace and Justice are represented in mosaic. At the base of the sides there are two niches with the sculptures of Apollo and Ceres, while panels with mosaic decorations embellish the upper part. The top of the façade is closed by a gable decorated with stalactites and sponge-like material.