Villa Paolina, Neoclassical villa in Quinto Alto, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Villa Paolina is a neoclassical residence in Sesto Fiorentino located at Via di Castello 66, marked by decorated facades with allegorical statues and sculptural reliefs by artist Aristodemo Costoli. The building connects to an elevated park through an iron bridge that spans above the former Via Quintigiana.
The property originated with the Petrucci family in the 15th century and was purchased in 1825 by Prince Camillo Borghese for his wife, Paolina Bonaparte. This acquisition marked a shift from local noble ownership to association with a major European ruling family.
The interior displays frescoes by Giuseppe Bezzuoli and Francesco Pozzi that show the neoclassical artistic approach of 19th-century Tuscany. These painted decorations reveal how art shaped daily life in the homes of the region's wealthy families.
Access to the villa and grounds involves navigating paths that differ from street level, so visitors should be aware of the terrain. Comfortable shoes are recommended as exploration includes walking through elevated areas and wooded sections of the park.
The grounds contain artificial caves with sponge formations that create a hidden underground dimension to the property. An English-style romantic park surrounds the residence, featuring a stone amphitheater used for small gatherings.
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