The Grotto of Animals reopens

The restoration of the Grotto of Animals in the Garden of the Medici Villa of Castello is coming to an end and the work has seen its conclusion just as the 450th anniversary of the death of two important historical figures: Cosimo I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Giorgio Vasari.
The Grotto, also known as ’of the Flood,’ represents a true water theater, a symbol of power.
Inside, three monumental basins with three scenic and theatrical compositions of dozens of mammals, fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Adding to the wonder are the iridescent effects given by the shell mosaics on the vault. The sculptural decorations recall the three elements of earth, air and water. In the center of the front basin stands the unicorn, the unique fantastic animal that according to one legend has the power to heal the waters thanks to its magic horn, a symbol of the beneficial action of Cosimo’s policy. In the center of the cave is in fact an acoustic mirror from where sounds spread with extraordinary clarity throughout the space, blending harmoniously with the sound of the water.
From April 11 until June 30, from Thursday to Sunday at 11:00am and 05:00pm, visitors can visit it internally by participating in special free tours, accompanied by museum staff.
And you can finally admire the water features, originally present but no longer activated: the water features will come into operation from the end of April on weekends, thanks to a timed ignition system that will be activated four times a day. This hydraulic system is designed to ensure water recovery, reducing water and energy waste.