Beyond the Yalla Dog

Masonic Tower in giardino Torrigiano

This tower formed part of the view from my window when I did my sabbatical in Florence in 2007 and I became very attached to this Masonic Tower in the Torrigiani Gardens.

The gardens have been developed and changed a lot over the past two centuries but they have a lot to offer an Englishman like my husband looking for an oasis of bright green neatly mown grass in the centre of the City.

Our walk around the gardens with Vanni and Suzanna Torrigiani and their son was a great pleasure for me to actually be in the garden I had jealously overlooked for three months.

The principle of the gardens is largely Masonic with features going back to ancient Eygpt and before.  The Tower itself springs to heaven in stages from the heavy earthly ways at the base through growing enlightenment to final rebirth and understanding.

Another feature of the garden is Lions – Lions on the entrance, in the parkland and shown below in the pursuit of beef !

In the Torrigiani family they believe that Lion is a symbol of the Sun and moreover of the dignity of man as he triumphs over his carnal bestial nature as represented by the bull.

Vanni Torrigiani with bull and lion sculpture

Other lions also feature in the garden – from dignified Boys at the entrance to self effacing females with less ornamental shields!

Torrigiano lion with family shield

Old female lion with shield – but not showing the family tower

Tomorrow the family are hosting an event with Vanni Torrigiano talking about his beloved plants and his garden.

Female Lion with crest