Italy is a nation rich in culture, history and traditions. Certain attractions arouse a fascination that literally leaves you speechless and their historical value testifies to the passage of populations who have glimpsed an infinite potential capable of enhancing any architectural initiative. The Villa Cafaggiolo – Medici Villa in Barberino di Mugello – is a shining example of what has just been said and certifies the quality of various places of interest which, often and willingly, are not included in the main itineraries reserved for tourists from every corner of the globe. A fascinating structure worthy of a noteworthy study.

Villa Cafaggiolo: the first transformations of the Medici Villa in Barberino di Mugello

The Villa Cafaggiolo testifies to a transformation that, over time, has seen it go from a defensive complex to a stately country residence for relaxation, holiday well-being and the typical activities of life in the countryside.
The monumental fulcrum of the villa has, in fact, an architectural scheme that included a watchtower that centuries ago was used to resist any offensives coming from outside. And its solidity allowed it to resist and plan possible evasion strategies, should the situation become extremely dangerous.
Originally, this building was a castle of the Florentine Republic which was revisited by the architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, commissioned by Cosimo the Elder, between 1443 and 1451. The planning required in this sense transformed it into a fortified palace with towers, walls and relative openings for arquebuses and crossbows, moats and drawbridge; at the same time, the surrounding roads, fountains and farms were redeveloped.

The advent of the Medici for the residential development of the Villa Cafaggiolo.
The arrival and affirmation of the Medici upset numerous institutional, social and cultural dynamics of the country. And among the initiatives cultivated by Lorenzo the Magnificent, there is also the remodeling of the Villa Cafaggiolo in Barberino di Mugello.
Its architectural vision will make it, in fact, a residence for holidays and for study; a place where prominent personalities such as Pico della Mirandola and Agnolo Poliziano, main formator of the future Pope Leo X stopped.
With the beginning of the Lorraine era of the Habsburg-Lorraine grand dukes, the villa will be upgraded to emphasize its crucial role in the expansion plan of the aforementioned hegemons.
After the unification of Italy, the structure was sold by the Italian state to the Borghese Princes, who carried out restoration work; the guidelines provided for the insertion of decorative elements between medieval and neo-Renaissance. An original stylistic choice but with a strong artistic depth.

Come and discover the park of the Villa Cafaggiolo

The demolition of the watchtower – which took place in the eighteenth century – provided additional space and visibility to the Park of the Villa Cafaggiolo, a naturalistic feature that is wonderfully linked to the surrounding places of interest. Its peculiarities, such as the English garden, the large cedars of Lebanon and the lawn on the front façade, make it an unmissable place for every visitor who, admiring its beauty, cannot help but feel deeply enriched by a an absolute level tourist experience. In short, it is a destination to be explored in every detail.

To discover the park of Villa Cafaggiolo in Mugello we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!