Villa Bardini

Villa Bardini, located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, is one of the city’s hidden gems, a place where history, art, and nature harmoniously blend together. Originally known as Villa Manadora, it was built in the 17th century by architect Gherardo Silvani commissioned by Francesco Manadori. The villa and its garden offer one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Florence, earning it the nickname “Villa Belvedere”. The history of Villa Bardini is rich and varied. In the 19th century, the property passed to Giacomo Le Blanc, who transformed the park into an English-style garden, adding statues, fountains, and a Kaffeehaus with a grotto. Later, the villa was purchased by the Carolath von Beuthen princes, who further enriched the garden with Victorian elements, including rose borders and raised flower beds. In 1913, the villa was purchased by the antiquarian Stefano Bardini, known as the “prince of antiquarians”. Bardini made significant changes to the complex, turning it into an open-air art gallery. One of the most significant interventions was the creation of an avenue connecting the villa to the city, sacrificing part of the existing medieval gardens. After Bardini’s son Ugo passed away, the villa was the subject of a long inheritance dispute that was only resolved in 1996 when the property passed to the City of Florence. Today, Villa Bardini is home to two museums: the Capucci Museum, dedicated to the work of fashion designer Roberto Capucci, and the Annigoni Museum, which houses the largest collection of works by painter Pietro Annigoni. The Capucci Museum features a permanent exhibition of sculpture-like garments and organizes temporary exhibitions with the designer’s clothes and designs. The Annigoni Museum, on the other hand, displays around 6000 works including paintings, drawings, and personal items of the artist. The Bardini Garden is one of the main attractions of the complex, famous for its spectacular Baroque staircase that offers a breathtaking view of Florence’s historic center. The garden is divided into three main areas: the Italian garden with the staircase, the English woodland with exotic plants, and the agricultural park with orchards and wisteria pergolas. The latter is particularly appreciated in spring when the wisteria blooms, creating a charming tunnel of colors and scents. The garden and the villa underwent a careful restoration in the early 2000s, funded by the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze Foundation. The interventions preserved and enhanced the historical elements, while introducing new spaces and functionalities. The restoration included the reopening of the garden to the public and the inauguration of the museums, making Villa Bardini an important cultural and artistic center.