Discover Florence's Hidden Wonder, The Appennine Colossus

The Renaissance gave birth to an endless list of extraordinary artworks, architectural gems and feats of ingenuity. In things such as garden design, in particular, some incredibly beautiful creations came to light in this period, one of which is the Villa Demidoff and its gardens. Located about seven miles north of Florence, the gardens are home to many different sculptures, fountains and various other delights but one of the highlights has to be the Appennine Colossus. Measuring about 35 feet tall, the Colossus is a personification of the Apennine mountain ranges, and is depicted as a blend between mountain and man, its smooth skin emerging out of the surrounding mountainous setting. This immense sculpture by the great Giambologna is actually even more fascinating than it appears at first glance; it is also a building, with chambers hidden inside, and a water feature. For lovers of the Renaissance, those interested in art and people intrigued by secret passageways and buildings, it is definitely a must-see. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make time to visit the gardens of Villa Demidoff to go in search of this exceptional gem.

Evoking both the figure of Atlas in Virgil’s Aeneid and the architect Dinocrates’ proposal to shape Mount Athos into a man in honor of Alexander the Great, the Appennino is home to a great network of grottoes, with walls studded covered in shells, corals, pearls and crystals, and painted with frescoes of muscled men mining precious ores.

There are also two fountains and a chamber for a small orchestra situated in his head. The work was created between 1579 and 1589 and was included in Francesco I de’ Medici’s collection of natural and artificial wonders.

The project was so grand and ambitious In fact, that construction of the Colossus ended up surpassing twice the amount of the cost of completing the Uffizi at the time.

It is the location of this masterpiece, however, that has maintained its status as a relatively well-kept secret until now. Located in the forest of the gardens at Villa Demidoff, it is a little hidden away and many miss out on it as a result.

However, if you get the chance to pay a visit while in Florence, it is quite the sight! The surrounding gardens and parklands themselves are well worth the visit. It has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage site and can be visited for free at the weekends and on weekdays through free guided tours that can be booked through the park's website.