Castles in Florence. Comprehensive guide to Florence castles

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Castles in Florence

Villa Gamberaia , by Milena Moraru

Villa Gamberaia
Address: Via del Rossellino 72 Phone: +39 055 6 972 05 e-mail: villagam@tin.it
Website: http://www.villagamberaia.com/en/index.php
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Among Florence's gardens, this typical Italian-style plot of land was commissioned by the Capponi family in the 17th Century. Along with the garden landscaping, they renovated the 15th-century villa, an ancestral property of local sculptor Rossellino. It was not until the 20th Century, however, that the garden became a regular retreat for Florentines, and received its fountains and works of art. The villa, partially rebuilt after World War II, is privately owned, but visitors are welcome to enter its gardens and can even arrange a visit upon request.

Palazzo Capponi , by Serra Bianchi

Palazzo Capponi
Address: Via Gino Capponi 26 Phone: +39 055 265 7661 e-mail: info@palazzocapponiallannunziata.it
Website: http://www.palazzocapponiallannunziata.it
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Set in the core of Medieval Florence and facing the Arno river, Palazzo Capponi is a 16th-century structure, and the former home of an influential noble family. Unlike its stern outer appearance, the building's interior displays an abundance of artifacts, architectural elements and an exquisite frescoed staircase. Of the many fine apartments, most notable is the Capponi Suite with windows overlooking the river. Set a little bit far off, Sala Poccetti boasts magnificent frescoes covering up its entire walls. The site is still used for conferences and public events.

Palazzo Antinori , by Tommaso Baldovino

Palazzo Antinori
Address: Piazza Antinori 3

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A 15th-century Renaissance structure, this site epitomises the splendour of Florence, set right in the core of the city with Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the church of San Gaetano in the immediate vicinity. Commissioned by Giovanni Boni and erected by Giuliano da Maiano, the palazzo is not privately owned and can be visited only by request. The remarkable facade is among the very refined examples of Florentine Renaissance architecture with elegant rounded windows, wrought-iron elements and awe-inspiring torch holders. The coat of arms and the deliberate asymmetry of the door create an almost surreal impression.

Villa La Pietra , by Nikita Patel

Villa La Pietra
Address: Via Bolognese 120

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This 15th-century villa, commissioned by the Macinghi family, was soon acquired by local banker Francesco Sassetti and was eventually handed over to the Capponi family. It was during the 17th Century that the site attained its present-day Baroque features, mainly due to architect Carlo Fontana. What is most striking here are the fine English gardens, landscaped in the 19th Century. In 1902, when the site became the property of Arthur Acton, the lush greenery was further redesigned into its former Italian style. Comprising a scenic path lined with cypresses, sculptures from Arthur Acton's collection and large green open spaces making the garden a spectacle in its own right.

Villa Medicea di Cerreto Guidi , by Damiano Daresta

Villa Medicea di Cerreto Guidi
Address: Via dei Ponti Medicei 7 Phone: +39 055 7155707


This villa is mainly associated with the murder of Isabella de’ Medici, who was taken here by her husband and alleged murdered, driven by thoughts of infidelity. This crime of passion still attracts flocks of tourists to Villa Medicea. A 16th-century edifice, commissioned by Cosimo I, is the work of Buontalenti. Of particular note here is the formidable staircase.

Palazzo Vecchio , by Alessandro Silipo

Palazzo Vecchio
Address: Piazza della Signoria Phone: +39 055 276 8465

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Erected in the 13th Century following plans by Arnolfo di Cambio, the palazzo was further altered during the 15th and 16th Centuries, although it retained its very stern and largely unadorned facade. The sculptures lining the exterior walls include a 19th-century copy of Michelangelo's 'David', and 'Hercules and Cacus' by Bandinelli.
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Palazzo Rucellai
Address: Via della Vigna Nuova 16

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A 15th-century Renaissance palazzo, this structure is the work of Bernardo Rossellino. The facade is of particular interest, as it intermixes two of the architectural orders of classical antiquity: the Corinthian and the Ionic, with the Tuscan order dominating the base. The building, a centrepiece of a vast court, was partially designed by Alberti himself.

Palazzo Strozzi
Address: Piazza Strozzi

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Commenced in the 15th Century by Benedetto da Maiano and commissioned by Filippo Strozzi the Elder, this palazzo was conceived to be among the city's most magnificent structures, and clearly intended to outrival the residences of the Medici family. However, the building served more as a demonstration of splendour and of an opulent lifestyle, and it received numerous lavish decorations Following the death of Strozzi in the early 16th Century, the palazzo was acquired by Cosimo I de' Medici and it was only after many decades that the Strozzi family gained back their property.