Villa La Petraia

Villa La Pietra, located on the hills north of Florence along Via Bolognese, is an architectural gem of the Renaissance and a testament to the rich cultural history of the region. Originally built in the 15th century for the Sassetti family, the villa represents the elegance and power of Florentine families during the Renaissance. Francesco Sassetti, manager of the Medici bank, was the first important owner of the villa, which then passed to the Capponi family in 1491. In the 17th century, the villa underwent significant transformations by Cardinal Luigi Capponi, who added a Baroque touch to the building, presumably designed by Carlo Fontana. These changes include the addition of elaborate decorations and the expansion of the garden, which became a classic example of an Italian garden. In 1908, the villa was purchased by Arthur Acton, an English art collector and antiquarian, and his wife Hortense Mitchell, heiress to a wealthy banking family from Chicago. The Actons dedicated themselves to the renovation of the villa and the creation of a garden that combined elements of the Italian Renaissance garden with influences from English art and crafts. The garden, designed by Henri Duchene, is characterized by boxwood hedges, ornamental statues, and cypress trees, creating a landscape of great theatricality and beauty. Harold Acton, son of Arthur and Hortense, was an influential writer and intellectual who spent much of his life at Villa La Pietra. His residence at the villa transformed the place into a center of culture and art, hosting numerous literary and artistic events. Harold Acton further expanded the villa’s art collection, which now includes over 6000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, textiles, and Chinese ceramics. After Harold Acton’s death in 1994, the villa and its collections were donated to New York University (NYU), transforming Villa La Pietra into an international academic campus. This generous legacy has allowed the villa to become a center of study for students and scholars from around the world, keeping alive the spirit of cultural and intellectual exchange that had characterized Harold Acton’s life. The villa itself is an extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture, with its elegant facades and richly decorated interiors. Among the most notable rooms is the grand hall, adorned with frescoes and antique furniture, offering a panoramic view of the gardens and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. The combination of art, history, and nature makes Villa La Pietra a unique and fascinating place. The garden of Villa La Pietra is a work of art in itself, designed to be enjoyed in every season. The terraced gardens, fountains, statues, and tree-lined avenues create an atmosphere of serenity and beauty, perfect for walks and moments of reflection. The garden has been carefully restored and maintained, continuing to be an exceptional example of Renaissance and Baroque landscaping.