Description
The Medici Villa, nestled in the greenery of the valley between Sant'Agata and Galliano, is situated in an ideal position for both climate and lighting, from which it derives its name. According to a legend, the villa enjoys the first ray of sunlight in the morning and the last light of the sunset, encouraging the sprouting of the first bud. It offers a pleasant idyllic view where time has left its mark, creating a medieval charm and an oasis of pleasure.
The original construction dates back to the 1400s; it was commissioned by Lorenzo and Giovanni de' Medici, sons of Pier Francesco di Lorenzo de' Medici, and sold in 1494 to the Florentine nobleman Taddeo Ducci. After the death of Teresa Ducci, it passed to her son Roberto Gherardi, and later to the Bolognese family de’ Bianchi, descendants of the Medici.
Count Cav. Filippo Sassoli de’ Bianchi, a prominent figure in the political and cultural life of the area, financed the restoration of the Lumena church and, in 1926, as mayor, restored the Council Chamber of the Palazzo de’ Vicari in Scarperia. Under his guidance, the villa underwent restorations starting in 1898, aimed at recovering its ancient forms by removing later modifications.
Although the villa shows traces of older constructions, it mainly dates back to the 15th century. In the first half of the 1700s, it underwent significant renovations, particularly on the eastern and northern sides, and the chapel was built, as evidenced by the Ducci family crest dated 1735.
The imposing 15th-century structure overlooks a tree-lined avenue and features a loggia with a portico leading to large halls connected by full archways. Each room is adorned with frescoes and coffered ceilings, enhancing its artistic elegance. The first hall, called the Medici Hall, houses a fresco with the names and crests of the dynasties that lived in the villa: Medici, Gherardi, Ducci, Sassoli, and De’ Bianchi. Here, there is also an imposing 14th-century stone fireplace, adorned with the Medici coat of arms.
The second hall, named Michelangelo, features frescoes restored according to the traditions of his school, while the third hall is dedicated to Galileo Chini, a famous 19th-century glass artisan, who created a large chandelier at the request of Emanuele III as a token of gratitude for the hospitality received from the De’ Bianchi family.
In the villa’s vast park, there are centuries-old trees, including two towering sequoias and the only “Red Beech” in Mugello, a majestic tree about 450 years old. From the park, one can admire a spectacular view of the Calvana Mountains, Monte Morello, Montesenario, and the Falterona Mountains.
*The present information and floor plans are merely indicative and do not constitute contractual elements.
