Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany
Even without art and Medici family influence, Tuscany was always a beautiful place. Its climate and soils favor agriculture and beautiful vegetation. To this, add the twelve Medici villas and 2 gardens and you have a paradise here on earth.
The villas are spread around the Tuscan landscape and are testimony to the Medici Family influence over the continental Europe. The family seems to have loved all fine things given the patronage they gave to the Tuscan art and culture.
The villas were built from the 15th century to the 17th century and brings to fore innovative construction that is in close harmony with nature. The villas were built for leisure, arts and knowledge – a system that was very widely accepted during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The villas differ in character and form from the barrack castles that were favored by the princes and the majestic farmhouses that were constructed by rich landowners. They assume a princely character without being overly ostentatious. Unlike the houses owned by rich Florentines, the Medici villas were more open and friendly. They varied from the castles in that instead of mighty fortifications, they featured beautiful gardens and were/are more environments friendly.
Apparently, the Medici villas became the next generation prototype for princely abodes all over Europe. The kings were realizing that no amount of walls could keep them safe and were thus welcoming beauty in place of fortifications. The gardens and the architecture that harmoniously disappeared into the natural landscape that you find in the villas are characteristic of Humanism and Renaissance.
As a tourist, you will not only get to spend some time in the beautiful villas and take photographs in the picture perfect gardens, but also get to explore the vineyards and sample expensive wines. There are very few places in the world that can rival the beauty of Tuscany. Very few, can boast the high-end wines that are produced here. Tuscany is one of the top destinations for those interested in touring Italy. While at it, venture into the villas and enjoy the architectural and landscaping genius of the Medici Family.
by Kennedy Runo on 05/15/2014 in Sightseeing