Villa Il Riposo, Renaissance villa in Bagno a Ripoli, Italy
Villa Il Riposo is a Renaissance villa on Fattucchia hill between the Ema and Grassina valleys, characterized by rounded arches, thick pillars, and ornamented loggias on its exterior. The building displays the careful architectural design typical of this period, with rooms arranged around courtyards and loggias for outdoor living.
Built in the second half of the 16th century for Bernardo Vecchietti, a wealthy collector connected to the Medici court, the villa was designed as a refined retreat. It remained in the hands of prominent families throughout the centuries, preserving its character as an important example of Renaissance villa architecture.
The name comes from Raffaello Borghini's 1584 book 'Il Riposo', which discusses art and describes this property. The estate reflects the Renaissance appreciation for beautiful gardens and spaces dedicated to art and conversation.
The Italian garden features geometric flowerbeds, box hedges, and citrus trees arranged in formal patterns, with Impruneta pottery decorating various spots throughout. Plan your visit to include a walk through these carefully designed garden areas that complement the villa's layout and structure.
A neo-medieval tower built in 1935 replaced the original pigeon house that was damaged in the 1895 earthquake. This addition demonstrates how the villa adapted and modernized over the centuries to address practical needs and damage.
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