Villa Il Palagio di Maiano, 15th-century villa in Fiesole, Italy
Villa Il Palagio di Maiano is a 15th-century villa perched on a hilltop above the village of Maiano with long terraces supported by fortified walls that overlook Florence. The property includes multiple event spaces, a private chapel, expansive gardens, and residential facilities.
The original medieval structure was damaged by a hurricane in 1467, forcing owner Bartolomeo degli Alessandri to sell the property due to the disaster. In the 19th century, architect Felice Francolini carried out neo-Gothic changes that transformed the central courtyard into a Renaissance ballroom.
The villa gained fame as the birthplace of Saint Maria Maddalena de Pazzi, a religious figure whose connection to the place is still remembered today. Royal visitors like Queen Victoria also came here, drawn by its reputation and the views it offered across the landscape.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the property sits on a hilltop and involves walking the terraces and grounds. The location near Florence makes it accessible by public transportation from the city center.
The central courtyard was transformed by architect Felice Francolini in the 19th century into a Renaissance-style ballroom while keeping the building's medieval character intact. This blend of two different periods is quite visible in the way the space functions today.
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