Florence’s Pool Palooza: Le Pavoniere

Le Pavioniere, photo by Rosa De La Herran

Escape Florence’s summer heat at the Le Pavoniere swimming pool, located in the historic Cascine Park. Shaded by ages-old trees and tucked away from the hubbub of town, the pool is a refreshing spot to hang out with family and friends.

Open seven days a week, the pool’s hours are 10 am to 6 pm, with free swim from 6:45 to 7:45 pm. Visitors can swim on weekdays during daytime hours for € 8, and during free swim for € 3. During weekends, the pool is open from 10 am to 7 pm for € 10. Showers, changing rooms and lockers are open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am and 6 pm for € 2.   Remember to bring a swim cap, which is mandatory for entering the pool — they are also available for purchase at the entrance.

Le Pavoniere is much more than just a pool. Surrounding the poolside is a bevy of restaurants and food options: a fish restaurant, a cafeteria bar and a cocktail bar. Munch on a wood-fired pizza, sip on a glass of prosecco, and enjoy the sun and splashing water.

There is a nightly program of evening activities. On Tuesdays, the pool hosts acoustic live performances and on Thursdays, there’s an open wine bar and DJ set. On Friday’s, live groups from the Florentine music scene perform poolside, on Saturday’s and Sunday’s there are DJ sets. The facilities offer rentals for roller skates and bikes: a great kid-friendly way to spend a day in the park. To check upcoming pool parties, updates are made to the Le Pavoniere Facebook page. (isabelle blank)