Dating back to the third quarter of the 16th century, the villa of the Parensi family is a compact, quadrangular block. The almost flat front of the building includes a portico and a loggia above with three arches on Tuscan columns; both are covered by a vaulted roof. By comparing the current building with a fine 17th century drawing by Domenico Checchi, its is possible to see the changes that ahve been made and how the villa stood at the centre of a vast agricultural estate.
Outside the enclosure walls, the public oratory has maintained the 17th century form as drawn by Checchi, with square pilasters supporting the entablature and the gable, and with curved stone cornices that enanche the openings in the facade.
The garden below it is borderted by the lemon houses and the olive mill.
The villa passed from the Mansi family in 1791, when Camilla Parensi, the last descendent of the family, married Raffaele di Luigi Mansi.
Certaldo is a town and comune of Tuscany, Italy, in the province of Florence, located in the middle of Valdelsa. Heading southwest, it is 50 minutes by rail and 35 minutes by car from the city ofFlorence. Heading north, it is 25 minutes by rail from Siena. It was the home of the family of Giovanni Boccaccio, who died and was buried here in 1375. Main Sights:
Boccaccio’s house, of red brick, like the other old houses here, was restored in 1823 and furnished with old furniture. A statue of him was erected in the main square in 1875.
Giovanni Boccaccio (1313 – 21 December 1375)[1] (Italian pronunciation: [bokˈkattʃo]) was an Italian author and poet, a friend, student, and correspondent of Petrarch, an important Renaissance humanist and the author of a number of notable works including the Decameron, On Famous Women, and his poetry in the Italian vernacular.
Boccaccio is particularly notable for his dialogue, of which it has been said that it surpasses inverisimilitude that of virtually all of his contemporaries, since they were medieval writersand often followed formulaic models for character and plot.
The Palazzo Pretorio, or Vicariale, the residence of the Florentine governors, recently restored to its original condition, has a picturesque facade adorned with ceramic coats of arms, and in the interior are various frescoes dating from the 13th to the 16th century.
Villa Grabau at San Pancrazio
Villa Grabau is one of the first forms of villa settlement in the hills north of Lucca. Recent research has shown how the villa owes its origins to the unification of severl properties carried out by the Diodati family from the 15th century. The information confirms that from this period the hills of Lucca were the subject of a series of land rearrangement operations, the use of the land, building work, expressions of new architectural layouts and new agricultural arrangements.
It is not yet known when the villa was transformed in the Reinaissnce style which is characterised by the portico in the facade, now closed in with glass. Important from the point of view of the landscape is the view which starts at the old Lucca road (now a country lane), follows the avenue leading to the park, crosses the villa and ends in the exedra of the garden behiand the villa. The transformation in neoclassical style, which took place at different times, is modelled on the nearby villa Principessa at Marlia.
The portico was closed in with large windows and dcorated internally with trompe l’oeil curtains. The park which is probably the same age as the villa, consists of several gardens. Its current form dates back to 1836 and the time when it was owned by the Cittadella family.
The botanical gardens extended along two sides of the central lawn and boasts a collection of plants from all parts of the world. Because of its rare exotic vegetation, the most extraordinary ection is the “English Garden”, dating back to the 19th century, where some majestic species can be admired. At the beginning of the 20th century some additions were carried out in the “Art Noveau” style which was popular at that time.
Along the west side of the villa, near the kitchens and stables, there is a small “Teatro di Verzura“, probably, inspired by the theatre at the nearby Villa Reale in Marlia; it was created during the 19th century with box hedges forming the wings of the stage; a spherical niche hides the prompt box. The entrance is guarded by two Renaissance lions in marble.
The garden behiand the villa, with the beautiful scenery of the hills in the background is a wide, semi-elliptical parterre, edged with tall hedges to form a green exedra with statues of Ceres, venus, Pomona and others.
The mosaics, made form rock crystals, quartz and tufa, cover the Matraia stone and white marble balustrade which separates the two levels. Shady paths connect the various areas of the park. Of particular interest is the large 17th-18th century lemon house, one of the most important and beautiful in the Lucchesia, which is still used to house the citrus plants during the winter.
Better known as the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, romantic Vinci holds the same magic as the rest of Tuscany. It takes just half an hour’s drive from Florence through the scenic SS 67 route towards Empoli that takes you right to Vinci. Visitors to Vinci would appreciate the town better if they park on the outskirts and explore this medieval village by foot. As one nears the town, a big wooden sculpture of the Vitruvian man welcomes you. The square overlooks the valley below and is steep with a fabulous panoramic view. Vinci’s mysterious origins date back to the Etruscans.
Spectacular as the town where the famous Leonardo da Vinci was born, the small hill town of Vinci has not changed much for the past 544 years. Picturesque stone houses still cling to the strong battlements of the castle. Built in the Middle Ages, the castle came under the rule of the Florentines in 1254. Located on the hilltop, the castle stood witness as many a battle raged between Florence and Pisa. But the enchantment and peace of Vinci is still retained and enjoyed by the 14,000 people living there today. The borough of Vinci is situated in the heart of Tuscany a few kilometres from Florence, close to Pisa, and an hour’s drive from Lucca and Siena.
As an important landmark in Vinci, the tall church bell tower can still be seen for miles. Surrounded by fertile farmland, the hillsides around Vince are lush with vineyards and olive groves that grow around in the lovely landscapes. Leonardo da Vinci’s presence can be felt everywhere adding to the mysterious charm of Vinci. The slopes that are seen above Vinci rise to the Mount Albano where Leonardo da Vinci loved to walk. Scenic and beautiful, silvery streaks of small mountain streams run down from the mountain past Vinci to the valley of the Arno River below. Inspired by what he saw around him, Leonardo’s enchanted childhood led him to explore and study the woods, natural life and streams of Vinci which he depicted in his sketches. Later as he grew, Leonardo reflected these scenes in his detailed life-like paintings of plants and wildflowers at the feet of the angel in The Annunciation and the rocky caves and pools of water surrounding the figures in The Virgin of the Rocks.
Another feature that has endeared Vinci as an immortal town is its curious castle that is known as “The Ship’s Castle” because of its unusual shape. This castle houses the fascinating Il Museo Leonardiano Di Vinci. Displaying Leonardo’s mechanical, scientific and engineering inventions, the museum showcases Leonardo’s work through models constructed according to the original dimensions. The museum evolves over two floors and has computers which enable the visitors to view video presentations, play interactive games and acquire more information. The important feature of the models is that it displays the transition of Leonardo’s sketches into reality that cover a range of domed buildings, cars and planes to underwater suits. There is also a library that has a complete collection of his observations and ideas.
The castle opens its ancient path to view the lovely medieval town of Vinci. Quite close to the museum, the church of Santa Croce echoes with the whisper of legends that the great Leonardo da Vinci was baptized in its hallowed premises. Though this lovely little church has been renovated several times it still retains its medieval charm. Vinci’s winding streets, alleyways and stairways are fascinating with a wonderful discovery round every corner. Vinci’s repertoire of restaurants and shops are not wide and varied but small and wonderful. Vinci’s cuisine and crafts are a delight to experience as well as its great extra virgin olive oil and the Chianti Putto Montalbano, the local wine of Vinci.
Just a few kilometers away, the main town of Anciamo stands where Leonardo was born. Timeless and unique, Vinci opens paths to visit and be inspired by the town of Montelupo Fiorenti that is close by and famous for its ceramic. The Frescobaldi Tower houses the Glass Museum in Montelupo. The ceramic studio of the famous artisan, Fratelli Taccini can be found in Sovigliana di Vinci that displays the talented heritage of the Taccini family. The ‘Il Cristo Croce Fisso’ was made of clay and wrought iron in 1995 by Taccini. Vinci holds the essence of romance and fascination that has brought countless visitors to its lovely village to linger and absorb the magic of mystery.
Secret Tuscany: Artimino village
Resembling a perfect painting, Artimino is picturesque and beautiful. Nestling in the green hills of Tuscany, Artimino is quaint and medieval and has been known for its famous Medici ‘Villa La Ferdinanda’. Ranging over the wine producing area of the Vino di Carmignano, the wine of this region was declared s a noble wine by the Grand Duke Cosimo III de’Medici.
The Etruscans named the area as Artumeno in the 8th century BC. History has recorded Artimino in its annals as numerous Etruscan burial chambers were found in the areas of Comeano and Poggio a Caiano around Artimino. The Roman style is still found in the names of the villages and the farmhouses in this area. The Castle of Artimino was constructed in the Middle Ages during the 10th century. Due to the focal strategic point of Artimino there were constant tussles between Florence and Pistoia. In the middle of the 14th century, Artimino came under the rule of Florence.
Beautiful as a natural park, Artimino and the areas around it was bought by Cosimo I de’Medici. He named the area as ‘Barco’, and desired to create a game reserve there. The park stretched over the hilly regions of Artimino till the edges of Vinci and was called the ‘Parco Reale’. The Medici family considered it their hunting grounds and constructed a wall around the park to prevent the game from escaping. Hunting was considered an enjoyable sport as well as a lucrative form of entertainment due to the fact that the skin and meat of the game was valuable. The Grand Duke Ferdinand appreciated the beauty and value of Artimino and took charge of the cultivation areas and the houses of Artimino to create the royal ‘fattoria’ or the estate. The royal architect Bernado Buontalenti, was commissioned to build a beautiful palazzo that could house the entire court. What transpired was the gorgeous Villa La Ferdinanda in 1594. With incredible architecture, this amazing villa was structured at Poggio a Caiano. The lovely villa is just 15 minutes away by car from Prato, the capital of the province and also from Montelupo Fiorentino and Vinci. The awesome city of Florence is just 20 minutes away from the villa.
The village of Artimino is guarded by a huge tower that was used as a look-out by the “protezione civile” or the civil authorities for fires or if they were going to be attacked by enemies. With the harmony of linear form and lovely features, the Villa La Ferdinand possessed the fantastic architecture of a 100 chimneys built at various angles in different forms and shapes. This was incorporated as one of the villa’s incredible features due to the fact that Ferdinand who loved to hunt could keep his guests warm always. The Villa houses grand ballrooms, enormous suites, small chapels, wine cellars and the Etruscan Museum. Adorned by lovely frescoes by Pontormo, Andrea del Sarto and other famous artists, the Villa La Ferdinand has two adjacent buildings. One of the buildings called the ‘Corridoio’ or Corridor housed the grooms, valets, and servants, but has been converted into the Hotel Paggeria Medicea as seen today. The second building is the “Palazzo del Sig. Biagio Pignatta” is constructed in the same style as the first building. The Palazzo del Sig. Biagio Pignatta has been named after the valet of the Grand Duke Ferdinand I, who lived on the first floor. The ground floor was originally the riding stables of the noble family but has been transformed into the famous Restaurant Biagio Pignatta offering delicious international and traditional cuisines and the wines of Artimino.
The area of Artimino comprises of 732 hectares out of which 72 hectares face the South and are used as the wine growing area with the cultivation of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano, San Colombana, Mammolo, Occhio di Pernice varieties of grapes. About 400 meters away from the Villa La Ferdinand, the fattoria in the medieval village produces the famous Barco Reale and the Vin Santo wines. The olive groves evolve over 180 hectares with the fattoria producing the renowned cold pressed oil. Visitors can enjoy traditional snacks served at restaurants in the village of Artimino with its ancient stone buildings, quaint shops and Romanesque churches. Artimino offers the spirit of the medieval ages and the essence of natural beauty.
