 HILLS |
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES |
|
|
LINKS |
|
|
USEFUL SITES |
|
|
TELEPHONE BOOK |
|
|
EDITORIAL STAFF |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE
MEDICI FAMILY
A particularly interesting itinerary is the one that goes
to the villas of the Medici family. Starting from the Villa Demidoff
at Pratolino in the municipality of Vaglia, bought by the Gran Duke
Francesco I in 1569, who had Buontalenti designing the new villa.
The villa was then demolished by the Lorena family.
|
|
| The
property was bought by the Russian prince Demidoff who created a dream-residence
in a marvellous park where you still find the Apennine statue-fountain
made by Giambologna for the Medici family. At San Pero a Sieve you
can visit the San Martino fortress from the 16th century, wanted by
the Grand Duke Cosimo I and designed by Buontalenti, and the Convento
di Bosco ai Frati rebuilt according to the design by Michelozzi on
behalf of Cosimo I. The church next to the convent houses a marvellous
crucifix by Donatello and paintings from the 16th and the 17th century.
At San Piero you should also stop at the Castello del Trebbio, built
on the remains of a medieval tower. Ordered by Cosimo I, it features
a nice pergolate from the 17th century in the Italian garden. Majestic
and imposing, the Castello di Cafaggiolo at Barberino di Mugello was
among the favourite residences of Lorenzo il Magnifico and was designed
by Michelozzo. It was reconstructed in the 19th century and is located
in the middle of a thick and wild forest. At Scarperia you can admire
the Palazzo dei Vicari, with a plant from the 14th century, but completely
modified in the following centuries. The façade features the
armorial bearings of the Vicars of the Florentine republix, while
you find the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti and an archive inside. In the
centre of Scarperia you can see the majestic tower raised by the Florentins
in the 14th century, called the Torrino. The tower is situated in
a garden with secular trees and was recently restructured. |
|
 |
|
