Medici Villa of Castello - Free Audio Guide

The Villa Medicea di Castello, located in the hills of Florence, Italy, is a striking example of Renaissance architecture and garden design. Constructed in the 14th century, it was significantly expanded and enriched in the late 15th century by members of the Medici family, particularly Lorenzo and Giovanni di Pierfrancesco de' Medici. The villa is also known as Villa Reale, L'Olmo, or Il Vivaio. Historically, the villa played a crucial role during the siege of Florence in 1529-1530, suffering damage but eventually being rebuilt in 1538 under Duke Cosimo I, who commissioned the famous architect Giorgio Vasari and the garden designer Niccolò Tribolo to transform it into a grand residence and showcase of power. The gardens, designed in the Italian style, feature terraces, fountains, and sculptural elements, making them one of the finest examples of such gardens in Europe. Today, the villa houses the Accademia della Crusca, Italy's foremost institution for the study of the Italian language, and the gardens are managed as a public museum. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 as part of the "Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany," the villa attracts visitors for its artistic heritage, historical significance, and beautifully maintained grounds, which are among the most beautiful parks in Italy. Access to the villa is typically by reservation for special occasions, while the gardens are open to the public.