Villa Ruspoli - Free Audio Guide

Villa Ruspoli is located in Pietra, Florence, Italy. This historical villa dates back to around 1360, originally built by the Minerbetti family. In 1441, it was inherited by the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova from Andrea Minerbetti, who was a condottiero and ambassador of the Republic of Florence. The villa was later rented by Tommaso Minerbetti in 1496, and his descendants eventually reacquired it. The villa is named after Don Camillo Ruspoli, a Roman prince. After his death, the property was abandoned for some time until it underwent significant renovations in the early 1970s. A portion of the surrounding park was then ceded to the Municipality of Florence, making it accessible to the public. Notably, there is another Villa Ruspoli located across from the Monastery of Santa Marta, which belonged to the Davanzati family since the 14th century. Both villas eventually came under the ownership of Count Angiolo Galli Tassi, who named the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova as his heir. The Ruspoli family reacquired the villas in 1868, and they are now surrounded by a vast park. Visitors to Villa Ruspoli can appreciate its rich history, architectural beauty, and the serene landscape of its park, making it a significant cultural site in Florence.