Villa Poggio Torselli is a stunning hilltop residence located just outside Florence that has been home to several influential Florentine families and citizens throughout history (including Niccolò Machiavelli) and is listed among the Great Italian Gardens. Even locals are often unaware of this hidden gem and it is very much off the beaten tourist track but, if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, it is well worth taking the time to come and explore the incredible building and its surroundings!
Positioned on a “poggio”, a promontory-shaped hill, the villa commands an astounding view over the hills of Chianti and right to Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto's bell-tower. The estate is accessed by a viale flanked by grand cypress trees and it boasts a historic garden, a vegetable and herb garden, and a winery. The house is also rather lovely and is a wonderful tapestry of stuccoed accents, frescoed ceilings, antiques, beautifully woven carpets, and exceptional works of art. However, the garden is kind of the star of the show.
Both the villa and gardens were extensively restored around ten years ago and the amazing visuals that they present reflect that. The front garden features boxwood borders and rose-beds, the lawns are a 19th century reconstruction in the English style, there is walled inner garden within which there is a secret garden, there are lemon and citrus trees, there are ornamental waterworks, the is an alteration of views and heights, and there is a rare Renaissance garden that remains.
If you are exploring Florence and are looking to get away from the crowds for a while, head to Poggio Torselli, which is the perfect place to wander peacefully, take in some fresh air and great views, and to relax.
Poggio Torselli
Via Scopeti 10
50026 San Casciano Val di Pesa (FI)
Bookings: 055/8290241
info@poggiotorselli.it
Tickets: 15 euro (or 25 for access to the villa as well)
Both the villa and gardens were extensively restored around ten years ago and the amazing visuals that they present reflect that. The front garden features boxwood borders and rose-beds, the lawns are a 19th century reconstruction in the English style, there is walled inner garden within which there is a secret garden, there are lemon and citrus trees, there are ornamental waterworks, the is an alteration of views and heights, and there is a rare Renaissance garden that remains.
If you are exploring Florence and are looking to get away from the crowds for a while, head to Poggio Torselli, which is the perfect place to wander peacefully, take in some fresh air and great views, and to relax.
Poggio Torselli
Via Scopeti 10
50026 San Casciano Val di Pesa (FI)
Bookings: 055/8290241
info@poggiotorselli.it
Tickets: 15 euro (or 25 for access to the villa as well)
Photo credit: Vignaccia76 / CC BY-SA 3.0