Historical residences of Tuscany

The historical residences in Tuscany are the medieval castles converted into private residences and the villas with gardens built by the rich merchants and the nobles between the 16th and 18th centuries in the nearby countryside to spend their summer holidays and to host the important personalities of that time.

The hills of Fiesole and Settignano near Florence with Villa Gamberaia and many others were the favourite place of the florentines; the Medici family preferred the opposite side of the city for their residences like the Villa of Poggio a Caiano, Castello and Petraia .

The Castello da Verrazzano, like many others, is located in the Chianti Classico district; and was built by the family of the famous navigator Giovanni, who discovered the Hudson bay in 1498.

In Lucca most of the historical residences like Villa Reale and Villa Oliva were built among the olive orchards of the western hills of the city; not far is Collodi with Villa Garzoni , the place where Carlo Lorenzetti wrote “Pinocchio”.

One of the most popular castles in Siena is Castello di Brolio, owned by the Ricasoli family; Bettino was the inventor of the recipe of the Chianti Classico wine. On the opposite side, the country between Siena and Sovicille host many wonderful Villas.

Private tours of Tuscany