Hiking with the Gods. Pratolino: a Medici park

This hike is more than a walk; it's a step back in time to when the Medici family commissioned artists like Bernardo Buontalenti and Giambologna to create a garden of wonders. Today, although much of the villa's original splendor has faded, the park remains a sanctuary of monumental trees, hidden grottos, and mythological statues, including the awe-inspiring Appennino by Giambologna. But our adventure delves deeper than mere sightseeing. As we wander through meadows and forests, I'll share stories of ancient mythology, alchemy, and the Medici's fascination with the arcane. We'll learn about the Mediterranean flora that adorns the landscape, each plant a character in its own mythological tale, from the transformation of Daphne to the wisdom of Athena. This hike is an opportunity to connect with nature, to understand the stories it tells us, and to inspire a desire to protect our precious environment. Let's rediscover the magic of the natural world together, one myth at a time.