Villa Basilewsky

Villa Basilewsky is a residential property in central Florence located near Fortezza da Basso gardens along Viale Strozzi, adjacent to the Mugnone stream. The building displays the typical architecture of a 19th-century private estate with elegant exterior details and classical proportions.

Russian diplomat Alexander Basilewsky and his wife Olga Nikolaevna built this villa in the 19th century as their vacation residence in Tuscany. Following Olga's death, their son Petr Aleksandrovich donated the property to establish a public hospital dedicated to his mother's memory.

The villa stands near the Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity, reflecting the strong Russian presence that flourished in Florence during the 1800s. This proximity shows how wealthy Russian families chose to settle and create lasting communities in the city.

The building now operates as a medical facility focused on dermatological care and addiction treatment services for the community. Its location provides convenient access to public transportation and proximity to other major Florence attractions.

The transformation of this private residence into a public hospital was an unusual gesture reflecting the family's philanthropic values. This shift demonstrates how wealthy individuals of the era chose to leave a lasting legacy through public service rather than keeping properties as family estates.