19
VILLA MEDICI — ROME, ITALY
UP TO 37 FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS
MONTE CARLO TO BARCELONA
Seven Seas Voyager®
INCLUDES FREE BUSINESS CLASS AIR*
Ports Visited: Monte Carlo, Tuscany (Livorno),
Sorrento/Capri, Amalfi/Positano, Taormina (Sicily),
Valletta, Ajaccio (Corsica), Porto Torres (Sardinia),
Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
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FOR ALL VOYAGES VISITING TUSCANY AND TO
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DURATION
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JUL 6
2020
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While this site has not been seen by the public for quite some time,
it is finally slated to once again open its doors next year (which
means I’ll be returning to Tuscany very soon).
PINNACLE OF MAGNIFICENCE
Cosimo’s grandson, Lorenzo de’ Medici — later known as Lorenzo
the Magnificent — became ruler of the Florentine Republic at
the young age of 21. Inspired perhaps by the time he spent at his
grandfather’s Villa di Careggi, he too set out to expand on the
concept of a home and commissioned a lavish summer residence
west of Florence. Villa di Poggio a Caiano became the architectural
pinnacle of the Medici villas.
Only 40 minutes from the center of Florence, it’s well worth the
trip to spend time touring this beautiful property. At the peak
of Medici rule, it was the place to be, hosting celebrations and
weddings, as well as performances of literary classics in its theater
and showcasing exotic animals on its grounds. While it is no longer
home to Lorenzo’s pet giraffe, you can still take in its exquisite
splendor with hundreds of works of art on display. Among the
Medici collection on view are Filippino Lippi’s fresco decoration
depicting the sacrifice of Laocoön and the allegory of Vertumnus
and Pomona by Mannerist master Pontormo. Spend some time
strolling through the gardens to admire the rare plant species,
smelling the aroma of the citrus trees and stopping to admire the
sculptures and statues — the most famous being Capture of the Water
Nymph Ambra by Ombrone.
A PLACE TO GATHER
The Medici family proliferated the idea that a home should be the
center of social activity. As a result, a revolutionary concept was
developed, which was to create a connection between architecture,
gardens and the surrounding environment. Whichever of the 12
villas you find yourself visiting, they each feature sweeping terraces
to overlook lush gardens, and the grounds were adorned with
marble sculptures and fountains, as well as natural alcoves and
caves for added inspiration. This new way of living in one’s home
became an enduring reference not only for aristocratic residences
throughout Italy and Europe, but also, in a small way, the concept
has found its way into our modern homes.
The next time you invite friends over for drinks on your patio,
remember to toast to the Medicis.
Mari de Armas is a former English major who has waited all of her adult life
to directly quote Shakespeare in a contemporary article. She is a contributor
to several travel publications, including RSSCBlog.com, and writes regularly
at ALittleCubanGoesALongWay.com
Explore beautiful
Tuscany on these
Mediterranean
escapes.
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