Villa Agape-Arrighetti - Free Audio Guide

Villa Agape-Arrighetti, also known as Villa Novelli, is located at Via della Torre del Gallo 8 in Florence, Italy, on the picturesque hill of Arcetri. The villa is named after Niccolò Arrighetti, a notable academic from the Accademia della Crusca, who resided there and is commemorated on a plaque for his contributions as a philosopher, writer, and translator closely associated with Galileo Galilei. The origins of the villa date back to the medieval period, with the earliest documented mention occurring in 1472 when it was sold to the monks of San Paolo a Pinti. Although the entrance architrave bears the date 1597, much of the structure was rebuilt in the early 20th century. Historically, the villa served as a holiday home for the Duchess of Aosta, Anna d'Orléans, from 1952 until 2014. After its use as a guest house managed by the Sisters of Charity, it transitioned into an elegant hotel in 2015. Villa Agape-Arrighetti features a charming tower and is surrounded by a spacious private park that includes an Italian-style garden and a private chapel, making it a serene spot for visitors interested in history, architecture, and nature. Its historical significance and tranquil setting make it a noteworthy destination in Florence.