Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda
Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda
4.5
About
The "Villa of the hundred chimneys", as it is called "La Ferdinanda", is set in a breathtaking landscape in the most authentic heart of Tuscany and is the ideal location to host events in a charming setting. Built in 1596, it recalls even today the Renaissance splendor of the Medici family: each space has its own soul, its own history and marvelous decorations. The Villa has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site since 2013, along with other Medici Villas and Gardens. It maintains some stunning authentic elements, like Tuscan tiles floor, fireplaces, frescos.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
237 reviews
Excellent
149
Very good
63
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
6
Sharon S
Wilmington, DE18 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
What a lovely place to stay- outside of Florence with nice amenities, great staff, a nice restaurant on premises with great food. Highly recommended!
Written 17 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, nice to hear about your beautiful words. Many thanks
Written 19 November 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paulocon2016
Canberra, Australia32 contributions
May 2017 • Business
In 1596 Ferdinando I de’Medici , Grand Duke of Tuscany , was hunting in the hills around Montalbano outside Florence .
He was near the village of Artimino and was so taken by the landscape what he sent word back to his wife Cristina di Lorena that he had found a “ rejuvenating place “.
By the end of the year the construction of La Ferdinanda had begun under the eye of Bernardo Buontalenti . By 1600 the “ good talented “ builder/Architect had his Grand Duke’s villa completed .
A huge magnificent four storied villa , with grand staircases inside and out , and paintings and frescos that have survived over 400 years of ownership changes , sale of some antiques and paintings and the Second World War . It is now owned by the Gruppo Olmo and is used for congresses , meetings and luxury weddings .
The Villa itself does not offer accommodation but is used for receptions , concerts , dinners and lectures/meetings .
Around 300 people can be seated in it’s major rooms .
Accommodation is available in the Varletry , an adjacent two-storied double sided building offering around 36 large bedrooms , modernized but still with some antique furniture .
Originally senior staff lived there , a strange name in some circumstances . About 30 metres away is the two storied Biago Pignatta , now a restaurant for breakfasts , lunches and dinners if not attending grand events in the Villa itself . It’s name is that of the Grand Duke’s first butler and was his residence . Sweet job with a great perk .
My wife and I attended a five day convention at the Villa and were lucky enough to be bedded in the Varletry . The rest of our group were housed in closeby farmhouse rentals or in the village of Artimino itself , some 800 metres away . Artimino had some restaurants , shops , a baker delivery daily and varied accommodation . Our numbers of around 150 taxed it’s resources.
A bus ran spasmodically up and down between the village and the Villa with hills at either end . Many red-faced delegates arrived in the morning for the sessions after missing the bus .
The Varletry has a wonderful bar and mini restaurant on the ground level , seeming to run at times that suited itself , but a smile from my pretty wife managed to persuade one of the male staff to always organize drinks or snacks . Men are such simple creatures my wife says .
Because it caters for special events it does not seem to be geared up for day to day visitors , but as we had the place booked out I cannot really judge , but I did notice that very few staff could speak English . Even desk staff struggled or maybe it was my pidgin Italian attempts .
Novel , a once in a life time , well off the beaten track but a treasure trove of art works , magnificent gardens and an Etruscan forum ruins in the lawn outside our room . Even a swimming pool . Allow one hour to get to Florence central down backroads and through frightening traffic .
He was near the village of Artimino and was so taken by the landscape what he sent word back to his wife Cristina di Lorena that he had found a “ rejuvenating place “.
By the end of the year the construction of La Ferdinanda had begun under the eye of Bernardo Buontalenti . By 1600 the “ good talented “ builder/Architect had his Grand Duke’s villa completed .
A huge magnificent four storied villa , with grand staircases inside and out , and paintings and frescos that have survived over 400 years of ownership changes , sale of some antiques and paintings and the Second World War . It is now owned by the Gruppo Olmo and is used for congresses , meetings and luxury weddings .
The Villa itself does not offer accommodation but is used for receptions , concerts , dinners and lectures/meetings .
Around 300 people can be seated in it’s major rooms .
Accommodation is available in the Varletry , an adjacent two-storied double sided building offering around 36 large bedrooms , modernized but still with some antique furniture .
Originally senior staff lived there , a strange name in some circumstances . About 30 metres away is the two storied Biago Pignatta , now a restaurant for breakfasts , lunches and dinners if not attending grand events in the Villa itself . It’s name is that of the Grand Duke’s first butler and was his residence . Sweet job with a great perk .
My wife and I attended a five day convention at the Villa and were lucky enough to be bedded in the Varletry . The rest of our group were housed in closeby farmhouse rentals or in the village of Artimino itself , some 800 metres away . Artimino had some restaurants , shops , a baker delivery daily and varied accommodation . Our numbers of around 150 taxed it’s resources.
A bus ran spasmodically up and down between the village and the Villa with hills at either end . Many red-faced delegates arrived in the morning for the sessions after missing the bus .
The Varletry has a wonderful bar and mini restaurant on the ground level , seeming to run at times that suited itself , but a smile from my pretty wife managed to persuade one of the male staff to always organize drinks or snacks . Men are such simple creatures my wife says .
Because it caters for special events it does not seem to be geared up for day to day visitors , but as we had the place booked out I cannot really judge , but I did notice that very few staff could speak English . Even desk staff struggled or maybe it was my pidgin Italian attempts .
Novel , a once in a life time , well off the beaten track but a treasure trove of art works , magnificent gardens and an Etruscan forum ruins in the lawn outside our room . Even a swimming pool . Allow one hour to get to Florence central down backroads and through frightening traffic .
Written 26 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
absolutdiogo
Amsterdam, The Netherlands27 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Stunning place for a party! A dream location for a wedding celebration. The views are unbelievable and the Villa itself is a magnificent example of XVI century architecture.
Written 17 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie
Montreal, Canada27 contributions
July 2015
Beautiful premises and very pleasant stay. Excellent food and service. We had a good time here and would recommend without hesitation.
Written 7 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phutty
Tallinn, Estonia1,372 contributions
Oct 2014 • Business
I was here for a conference so got to see more of the villa than ordinary visitors perhaps would - including a fun half-hour exploring the upper floors, just me and my colleague - and we also had a reception on the first night in the cellars with wine-tasting and some great food. As a conference venue I'm not sure it's the greatest (although that may have been the fault of the organisers, rather than the villa's people) but as somewhere to visit for the history and architecture - and views - it's grand.
Written 8 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sapna S
Mumbai, India75 contributions
Oct 2014
Villa artimino ,Florence.
Nestled in the hills of Tuscany amidst olive gardens and vineyards is a tiny hamlet of Artimino.Extremely quiet with a population of 90pax it is not for the boisterous .Great for a day outing as a group with some of the best red wine and extravirgin olive oil I've tasted .Stretches of unadulterated landscape ,a small church,clock tower,a three star hotel with a pool and restaurant serving great food it is an ideal departure for a day from Florence. The drive from the airport or station is about 45 min costs approx 65€.
Nestled in the hills of Tuscany amidst olive gardens and vineyards is a tiny hamlet of Artimino.Extremely quiet with a population of 90pax it is not for the boisterous .Great for a day outing as a group with some of the best red wine and extravirgin olive oil I've tasted .Stretches of unadulterated landscape ,a small church,clock tower,a three star hotel with a pool and restaurant serving great food it is an ideal departure for a day from Florence. The drive from the airport or station is about 45 min costs approx 65€.
Written 27 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VBizDublin
Dublin97 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Attended a wedding here last week....fabulous setting, great food, just amazing, the view alone is breathtaking, but the building is fantastic.
Written 12 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey K
50 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Secluded beautiful old property repurposed for a lovely hotel stay atop the rolling hills of Tuscany. Each converted stable room is unique. Lovely breakfast included.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo G
Barcelona, Spain97 contributions
Aug 2018
When you see the Villa Medicea , you have the feeling about the MEDICI's power in the old days. Called also "Villa Centocamini " which means the 100 Chimneys .
Written 24 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry F
London, UK31 contributions
June 2018 • Couples
We stayed here for 2 nights for a wedding. Such an amazing venue. The staff are very welcoming. We stayed in a superior double in the hotel, fabulous room on the 1st floor under the eaves. The food was amazing, we didn’t stop eating on the actual day of the wedding! The views are gorgeous and it’s well worth a walk into the village. I would highly recommended this venue for a fairytale wedding or any other occasion.
Written 4 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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