Florence – The Medici Villas

Over the last 4 or 5 years, I have heard and learned a great about The House of Medici.  This Italian banking family and political dynasty first consolidated power in the Republic of Florence under Cosimo de’ Medici and his son Lorenzo “the Magnificent” during the first half of the 15th century. The family originated in the Mugello region of Tuscany, and prospered gradually in trade until it was able to fund the Medici Bank. This bank was the largest in Europe in the 1400s and facilitated the Medicis’ rise to political power in Florence, although they officially remained citizens rather than monarchs until the 16th century.

In 1532, the family acquired the hereditary title Duke of Florence. In 1569, the duchy was elevated to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany after territorial expansion. The Medici ruled the Grand Duchy from its inception under the builder Cosimo I until 1737, with the death of Gian Gastone de’ Medici. 

During their rise to power and wealth, they acquired property throughout the region.  The first holding outside the security of Florence was Villa Medici in Fiesole.  This was the first example where the idea of ​​a country residence breaks away from the traditional concept of a fortress and castle, evolving into an independent form.

The Medici acquired the land and existing buildings in the mid 1400’s and developed a new style of Country Villa.  The Villa’s relationship with the landscape through the new use of loggias and terraces opens the doors to future Renaissance Villas.  This was the first of two Medici Villas we recently visited.  It is currently privately owned, but she allows access to the grounds.

The second villa was Petraia – The Villa stands with its unmistakable tower in a dominant position on the slopes of Monte Morello sloping down towards the plain with a splendid view of Florence.

The building was developed around the existing fifteenth-century central tower and its main facade overlooks the splendid Italian garden, built on three levels, or terraces, which support the steep nature of the land.

The interiors have been preserved from the Medici period especially the fresco decorations. The Villa, in fact, looks today as it was in the time of the Savoy, between the second half of the nineteenth century.  

All the fresco’s were done during the time the Medici lived in the building – thus the mid 1500s or so. These are all of the center courtyard which was uncovered during the time they lived there.

Eventually owned by King Vittorio Emanuele III, he ceded it to the State of Italy in 1919.  Thanks to an inventory of the Villa, taken at the time of transfer, it was possible to reconstruct the nineteenth-nineteenth-century appearance of the residence where there are still furnishings, tapestries, works of art and furniture that were part of the daily life of Vittorio Emanuele II.

Owned and maintained by the Italian State, we had the place to ourselves and the guide was able to walk along with us and answer questions that were raised.  

It was fascinating to view all the fresco that cover the entire ground floor walls throughout the Villa.  It is beyond understanding how the artist was able to design and execute the number of fresco that were done.  The upper floors of the Villa all represent the time when King Vittorio Emanuele III was in residence.

Both Villas are outside of Florence but were an easy hour or two ride via horse and carriage during the Medici time period and thus were frequently used.  It was really a treat to see these two properties once owned and occupied by the Medici family.  There are still a bunch more worthy of visiting so I guess we will have to come back.

There are a LOT more adventures planned over the next several weeks – however, reporting may not be as timely as they have been over the past month. So, keep an eye out for those notifications you receive in your email. Don’t forget to leave a comment!