Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2013
Size of heritage: 125 ha
- Buffer zone: 3,539 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 11,304°
Latitude: 43,858°

Summary

Twelve villas and two gardens spread across the Tuscan landscape make up this site which bears testimony to the influence the Medici family exerted over modern European culture through its patronage of the arts. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, they represent an innovative system of construction in harmony with nature and dedicated to leisure, the arts and knowledge. The villas embody an innovative form and function, a new type of princely residence that differed from both the farms owned by rich Florentines of the period and from the military might of baronial castles. The Medici villas form the first example of the connection between architecture, gardens, and the environment and became an enduring reference for princely residences throughout Italy and Europe. Their gardens and integration into the natural environment helped develop the appreciation of landscape characteristic Humanism and the Renaissance.

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Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany

The Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany, Italy, are a collection of 12 remarkable villas and their surrounding gardens that were once owned by the influential Medici family. These villas and gardens, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a testament to the Medici's love for art, culture, and nature, and their significant contributions to the Renaissance period.

History

The Medici family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Florence during the 15th and 16th centuries, played a pivotal role in the development of art, architecture, and politics. The family's wealth and patronage allowed them to commission renowned architects and artists to create magnificent villas and gardens throughout Tuscany.

The Medici Villas and Gardens were designed as retreats from the bustling city life, providing the Medici family with a serene environment to relax, entertain guests, and indulge in their passion for art. These villas served as centers for intellectual and artistic gatherings, fostering the exchange of ideas and the flourishing of the Renaissance movement.

Current State

Today, the Medici Villas and Gardens are meticulously preserved and open to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Medici family and the beauty of Renaissance architecture and landscaping.

Each villa possesses its unique charm and architectural style, reflecting the tastes and preferences of the Medici family members who resided there. From the grandeur of Villa di Castello to the elegance of Villa La Petraia, these villas showcase the architectural brilliance of renowned architects such as Michelozzo, Bartolomeo Ammannati, and Bernardo Buontalenti.

The gardens surrounding these villas are equally captivating. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the gardens feature intricate patterns, fountains, sculptures, and a wide variety of plants and flowers. The Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, is one of the most famous examples of Medici gardens, offering visitors a vast expanse of greenery, stunning views, and hidden gems like the Grotta del Buontalenti.

Visitors to the Medici Villas and Gardens can explore the interiors of these villas, adorned with exquisite frescoes, tapestries, and furniture that reflect the opulence of the Renaissance era. The gardens provide a tranquil setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and contemplation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity that once captivated the Medici family.

The Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany are not only a testament to the Medici family's legacy but also a living testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Renaissance period. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, these villas and gardens continue to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the rich history and artistic brilliance of Tuscany.

Hotels and places to stay

Demidoff Country Resort Resort

Address
Distance: 0,9 mi
Via della Lupaia 1556
50036 Pratolino
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Giotto Park Hotel

Address
Distance: 2,7 mi
Via Roma 69
50030 Vaglia
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 22:00


Gli Scoiattoli

Address
Distance: 2,8 mi
Via della Fittaccia 1388
50036 Vaglia
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Villa Il Trebbiolo

Address
Distance: 2,5 mi
Via Del Trebbiolo 8
50065 Pontassieve
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 23:59
Weekend: 8:00 - 23:59


Villa dei Bosconi

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
Via F. Ferrucci, 51
50014 Fiesole
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Residence Fiesole -

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
via degli Artigiani 1
50014 Fiesole
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 10:00
Reception
Weekday: 9:00 - 18:00
Weekend: closed


Paterno

Address
Distance: 3,1 mi
Via di Paterno, 2383-2393
50036 Vaglia
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 13:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Villa Baccano

Address
Distance: 1,8 mi
Via Dei Bosconi 4
50014 Florenz
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


La Paggeria

Address
Distance: 1,3 mi
Villa Mazzini - Via Di Basciano 130
50030 Vaglia
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


I Casali del Trebbiolo

Address
Distance: 2,5 mi
Via del Trebbiolo 6
50065 Pontassieve
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 20:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 20:00


Videos from the area

Hotel in Toscana Country Chic

Published: September 26, 2012
Length: 00:05 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: Demidoff Mugello

Demidoff Country Resort 4 stelle nel Mugello, a Pratolino. Hotel immerso nel verde ma a brevissima distanza da Firenze, con servizio di navetta gratuita. Toscana Country Chic. Video di Class...

Video con drone - Pratolino, Vaglia, Firenze

Published: January 09, 2014
Length: 52:51 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Stefano Saldarelli

Video realizzato con drone DJI F550 e GoPro 3 Black Edition Autore: Stefano Saldarelli.

Treno della Befana 2014 Firenze-Borgo San Lorenzo-Firenze

Published: January 06, 2014
Length: 15:49 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: simokar82

La Gr 640 148 titolare del "Treno della Befana" 2014, da Firenze a... Firenze via Pontassieve, Borgo San Lorenzo, San Piero a Sieve, Vaglia Firenze San Marco Vecchio, qua ripresa in transito...

Two Weeks in Tuscany

Published: July 11, 2012
Length: 00:02 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: David Kent

Commemorating our lovely holiday with Alan Pace and Mirella Manganaro.

Parco di Pratolino patrimonio Unesco

Published: June 09, 2014
Length: 53:24 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: florencewebtv

Grande festa a Villa Demidoff per la consegna della targa dell'Unesco.

Quinto ubriachi vagabondo nomadi

Published: September 26, 2014
Length: 00:20 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: giacomo paladino

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