Florence - Ville Medicee
Some members of the many branches of the Medici family built themselves, as their summer homes, imposing villas in large grounds in the beautiful Tuscan hills close to the city. Here, in the buildings and gardens, the architects could give free rein to their talents and their imagination, albeit initially within the constraints of the Renaissance. Artists, painters and sculptors were presented with plenty of opportunities to show the lighter side of their art. Some of the finest of these villas, which can be visited, are described below.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Things to See
Villa Demidoff Park
The Villa Demidoff park is located at Pratolino, on the Via Bolognese. Little remains of the splendid villa that Buontalenti built for Francesco I de'Medici in 1575. The park, that has been completely restored, is open from April to October, and is a wonderful place to visit outside the city. Giambologna's monumental statue of the "Appennines" is an outstanding example of Florentine Mannerism.
Villa di Careggi
North of the Florence city center can be found another Medici villa at Careggi. Cosimo the Elder commissioned Michelozzo to make it his country seat in 1433. Lorenzo the Magnificent died in this villa on April eighth 1492.
Villa di Castello
The Villa Medicea di Castello, its grounds dating back to the 16th century, is just a few hundred yards west of the Villa la Petraia. The villa contains the Accademia della Crusca and is therefore not open to the public but the grounds are, with their magnificent fountains, grottos and statuary. The figures in the central fountain are of Hercules locked in combat with the giant Antaus (Tribolo).
Villa di Poggio a Caiano 
About 18km/12mi northwest of Florence on the main road to Pistoia, in the village of Poggio a Caiano, is what is generally considered to be the Medici's finest and most splendid summer residence. It was built by Giuliano da Sangallo for Lorenzo the Magnificent, and much altered and extended by the Medici in later years. Their artistic tastes are reflected in such details as the entrance loggia, the terracotta reliefs in the entrance hall, the large drawing room with its frescoes by Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, Franciabigio and Allori ("Cicero's Return from Exile", "Caesar accepting Tribute from Egypt", "Vertunno and Pomona"). There are also furnishings, etc. left by King Victor Emmanuel II, who lived here with his morganatic wife the Contessa di Mirafiori.
Although the villa alone merits a visit, it is also worth taking a pleasant stroll through the grounds with their ancient trees.
Although the villa alone merits a visit, it is also worth taking a pleasant stroll through the grounds with their ancient trees.
Villa la Petraia
The lack of signing makes it difficult to find the Villa la Petraia which is on the right, above the road between Florence and Sesto. Ferdinando de'Medici acquired the estate in 1575 and had it remodelled by Buontalenti, but kept the old tower. In the 19th century the villa was a summer residence for the Kings of Italy, and can be visited since it is still in state ownership. It has lovely grounds which provide a good view of Florence.
Villa of Artimino
Commonly called "La Ferdinanda", the villa was designed by Buontalenti in 1594 as a hunting lodge for Ferdinand I, since it lay in the vicinity of a vast hunting reserve. The most striking element is the host of 40 chimneys, each one corresponds to a specific room.
Villa of Cerreto Guidi
Built for Cosimo de'Medici, first Grand-Duke of Tuscany in 1565. The villa was terminated with the collaboration of Buontalenti, who designed the imposing staircase known also as "Ponti Medicei". It is now a museum and houses a collection of various portraits of the members of the Medici family, as well as a selection of period furniture.
