What secrets lie behind those elegant walls? That, my friends, is Villa Finaly. A place where history and academia intertwine. Villa Finaly stands before us, not a typical tourist hotspot, but a hidden gem with a fascinating past. Dating back to the 14th century, the villa witnessed the ebb and flow of Florentine life, passing through the hands of noble families like the Giugni and the Davanzati. Imagine their lavish gatherings, their laughter and intrigues echoing in these very halls. Over the centuries, Villa Finaly transformed. In the mid-19th century, the British minister to the Tuscan court, Lord Normanby, acquired the villa. It was he who commissioned the renowned architect Giuseppe Poggi to reshape the villa into its current splendor. Poggi, a master of his craft, left his mark. He enclosed the internal courtyard, creating a magnificent octagonal vestibule bathed in light from a glass and iron skylight. Inspired by Brunelleschi’s Rotonda degli Angeli, it’s a symphony of arches and Ionic columns. Today, Villa Finaly serves a different purpose. Bequeathed to the University of Paris in 1953, it’s become a sanctuary for scholars and researchers. The villa, with its serene gardens and elegant interiors, offers a unique environment for intellectual pursuits. As you admire its understated facade, remember the stories it holds – whispers of noble families, artistic transformations, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge. Villa Finaly is a testament to the enduring spirit of Florence, a city where the past is always present.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,