Historical villas in Florence
Among the historic villas in Tuscany, certainly the historical villas of Florence represent the greatest number and the greatest variety. In addition, the Medici villas are an excellent example of how the Medici family managed their own power in the city and wanted to spend pleasant moments in the country to fulfill the commitments of the government.
Originally villas were built on the hills, away from the city, following the ideas of Leon Battista Alberti. Subsequently, the purchase of land and building or landscaping of the villas began to spread in the plains, reaching almost the city walls. Buying land and building or renovating a mansion was not only an investment for the future but also economic security and prestige for the banks and a shelter in case of famine and pestilence. In addition to the Medici family, there were many noble Florentines who decided to buy or restore their country residences to spend their holidays or organize events to show their social status.
Villa Trebbio and Villa Cafaggiolo, located between Florence and Bologna, are among the first to be restored by the Medici villas and in fact they still retain their appearance of a fortified castle. The Villa in Poggio a Caiano was built in 1485 by the architect Giuliano da Sangallo and was the first mansion to be designed as a villa. Then followed the building of the Villa Pratolino, the Villa Artimino and the Villa Lappeggi.
The villa complex included also extensive grounds, gardens and woodland that changed the landscape, especially when some of them became real farms. The Medici family generally moved from one villa to another in search of a better climate or based on the task they wanted or needed to do: parties, moments of relax, hunting or fishing. The garden became increasingly important and was embellished by fountains, water games, paths and gardens with rare plants or herbal medicines. Tribolo worked between 1540 and 1550 to the gardens of the Villa di Castello and Boboli. Buontalenti instead became famous for the garden of the Villa Pratolino and Villa La Petraia. From the eighteenth century onwards, the Italian garden with terraces lost its charm and landlords preferred to follow the new trends in gardens and greenhouses.
Continue to read and find information and details about Florence's most famous historic villas.
|
A selection of our most requested villas in the area:
Luxury villa sleeping 8 a few kilometres from Gambassi Terme, in the heart of Florence countryside. Garden, swimming pool, hydromassage, Internet connection. Tennis court, riding stable and golf club nearby. Possibility of organising horseback and mountain-bike rides in the neighbourhood.
More details
Luxury villa with swimming pool for holidays in the Mugello Valley close to Florence. Independent villa with accommodation for 6/13 people, garden, swimming pool, panoramic view, gym, Internet connection, hydromassage.
More details
Villa for rent in the countryside of Chianti, near Florence. Accommodation for 8/12 people, private swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool bath for 7, Internet connection, children's playground, air conditioning. Golf club, riding stable and tennis club within a few kilometres. Possibility of organising dinners and cooking lessons.
More details
Elegant holiday villa in proximity to Montaione, in Empoli countryside, just a few kilometres from Volterra and San Gimignano, at the centre of a triangle formed by Siena, Pisa and Florence. 8+2 sleeping accommodations, garden, swimming pool, Internet connection, children`s playground.
More details
|
|
|
