TOP PLACE
Villa Gamberaia
and features the Apennine Colossus by Giambologna and the Cupid’s Cave by Buontalenti. Via Fiorentina, 276 ph. +39 349 8800380 Open from April to September
VILLA GAMBERAIA GARDENS 52
The beautiful garden of Villa Gamberaia, in Settignano, spreads over several levels, where one can admire the lemon-house, a niche decorat-
ed with pebble mosaics and a spectacular modern parterre. Via del Rossellino, 72 ph. +39 347 2386326 villagamberaia.com
MEDICI VILLAS MEDICI VILLA LA PETRAIA 53
An ancient fortress whose tower still stands, belonging first to the Brunelleschi family and later to the Strozzis, La Petraia was bequeathed by Cosimo I de Medici to his son, the cardinal Ferdinando, in 1568 and later converted into an elegant Renaissance residence. The villa is surrounded by a large English-style park. Via della Petraia, 40 tel. +39 055 452691
villegiardinimedicei.it Closed Mondays
MEDICI VILLA OF CASTELLO 54
One of the oldest country residences of the Medici family, who acquired it in 1477. The villa was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, and is currently home to the Accademia della Crusca; the garden is a prototype of 16th-century Italian design. Via di Castello, 44 tel. +39 055 452691 villegiardinimedicei.it Temporarily closed
Villa Gamberaia Park of Pratolino
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Villa of Castello
