Lemon House, Historical orangery in Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
The Lemon House is a greenhouse within the Boboli Gardens featuring rectangular walls, tall glass panes, and grey stone pillars. Inside, rows of plant containers stretch beneath the glazed roof, which lets light reach the citrus trees while protecting them from cold weather.
Architect Zanobi del Rosso designed this greenhouse in 1777 to shield the Medici family's valuable citrus trees from winter frost. The construction represented part of the extensive garden improvements the family undertook during that period.
The space demonstrates how Florence's wealthy families used citrus plants as symbols of power and refinement during the 1700s. Today, visitors can see how the plants are still arranged with the same care that reflects this historical importance.
Access to the Lemon House requires purchasing tickets to the Boboli Gardens at the main entrance of the complex. Spring and warmer months offer the best visit timing, as the plants are in active growth and easier to appreciate.
The terracotta containers date from the 1700s and reflect cultivation methods that Florentine gardeners passed down through generations. These pots are notably heavier and larger than modern alternatives, showing how labor-intensive plant care was for wealthy families.
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