26/01/2025
Just a short trip outside Florence lies one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets: the Medici Villa at Castello. This 15th-century gem was more than just a home—it was a sanctuary for art, philosophy, and power. Lorenzo the Magnificent’s cousins once lived here, surrounded by some of the greatest minds and masterpieces of the Renaissance, including Botticelli’s iconic Birth of Venus and Primavera.
But the real hidden treasure? The newly restored grotto. Picture this: a magical limestone cave filled with marble fountains and intricate sculptures of animals from the sea, land, and air. At the heart of it all stood Orpheus, whose music could tame even the wildest beasts—a metaphor for Cosimo I’s reign, bringing harmony and eternal spring to Tuscany.
If you’re heading to Florence and looking for a cool day trip, consider this incredible villa.