The Medici family have left an indelible mark on Tuscany that is still felt today, centuries after they were at the peak of their powers. Works of art, buildings, and even towns remain as a mark of their incredible legacy but so, too, do stories. One of the most compelling is the story of the mysterious death of Isabella de' Medici, the beloved daughter of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Famously beautiful and free-spirited, she was a well-known Florentine figure who died suddenly and unexpectedly at the Medici villa in Cerreto Guidi in 1576 during a hunting holiday.
According to her brother, "while she was washing her hair in the morning ... She was found by Signor Paolo Giordano on her knees, having immediately fallen dead.” This unlikely and dubious version of events was doubted and, according to information obtained by the Ferrarese ambassador, Ercole Cortile, she was actually "strangled at midday" by her husband in the presence of several named servants. It is thought that her husband, Paolo Giordano, killed Isabella because of an affair that she had had with Troilo Orsini or that her brother, the Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici actually had ordered her death.
According to her brother, "while she was washing her hair in the morning ... She was found by Signor Paolo Giordano on her knees, having immediately fallen dead.” This unlikely and dubious version of events was doubted and, according to information obtained by the Ferrarese ambassador, Ercole Cortile, she was actually "strangled at midday" by her husband in the presence of several named servants. It is thought that her husband, Paolo Giordano, killed Isabella because of an affair that she had had with Troilo Orsini or that her brother, the Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici actually had ordered her death.
Today the whole event remains shrouded in mystery though it is claimed by some scholars that the cloud of suspicion around the whole thing was, in fact, merely some rumours spread by enemies of the Medici who wanted to undermine the powerful family. Whatever the case may be, in truth, the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of such a beloved, influential, and beautiful Renaissance figure has ensured enduring interest in Isabella and, as of late, an incredible festival each year that celebrates her.
Enter the town of Cerreto Guidi, the place that Isabella famously died and the place in which La Notte d’Isabella (The Night of Isabella) takes place. This festival centres around a historical re-enactment of Isabella’s death but is so much more than that. It is the chance to well and truly step back through time and glean some sort of insight into life in the 1500s. Experience this pretty town as it was during the late 16th century. See the streets fill with drummers, falconers, knights, court ladies, commoners, and more, all in elaborate costume. Participate in the ancient festival atmosphere and have an unforgettable Tuscan experience. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are going to be in the area around the 6th and 7th of July 2019, this is one of the must-see events!
Enter the town of Cerreto Guidi, the place that Isabella famously died and the place in which La Notte d’Isabella (The Night of Isabella) takes place. This festival centres around a historical re-enactment of Isabella’s death but is so much more than that. It is the chance to well and truly step back through time and glean some sort of insight into life in the 1500s. Experience this pretty town as it was during the late 16th century. See the streets fill with drummers, falconers, knights, court ladies, commoners, and more, all in elaborate costume. Participate in the ancient festival atmosphere and have an unforgettable Tuscan experience. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are going to be in the area around the 6th and 7th of July 2019, this is one of the must-see events!
For these two nights, the whole town and all of its visitors are transported back to July 1576, when it previously came alive with excitement and a festive atmosphere ahead of the arrival of Isabella, who was joining her husband at the Medici villa in Cerreto Guidi, where they installed themselves for leisure pursuits such as hunting and celebrations. You can experience the age-old traditions of the town, admire the splendour of the place bedecked in Renaissance decorations and the elaborate costumes of the locals participating (who really go all out), try out historical games, listen to Renaissance music, watch the Renaissance dances, be awed by the falconers and feats of swordsmanship and bowmen, try typical dishes in ancient inns and taverns, purchase traditional crafts made by centuries-old practices, and much more besides!
The whole experience is utterly immersive and evocative and will leave you in open-mouthed awe. So, if you’re planning a trip to Tuscany this summer, try and join the artists, jesters, story-tellers, alchemists, fire-eaters, musicians, flag-throwers, and more who will flood the streets of this beautiful 16th century town for just two magical nights.
The whole experience is utterly immersive and evocative and will leave you in open-mouthed awe. So, if you’re planning a trip to Tuscany this summer, try and join the artists, jesters, story-tellers, alchemists, fire-eaters, musicians, flag-throwers, and more who will flood the streets of this beautiful 16th century town for just two magical nights.
