The Villa of Castello was one of the first villas outside Florence owned by the Medici, dating back to 1477.
It became one of the favourite residences of Cosimo I, who took special interest in the garden. A year after the young Duke’s rise to power, in 1538, the garden was planned according to a complex symbolical design in which the statues, fountains and grottoes celebrated Cosimo’s new status.
The villa itself is not open to the public, but visitors may enjoy the splendid garden with its magnificent range of citrus and other rare plants, antique and Renaissance statues. Particularly fascinating is the Grotto, with animals carved in different types of stone and marble, which one must imagine with its original fountains and water jets.

Opening hours: Daily:
8:15 – 17:00 (November – February).
8:15 – 18:00 (March and October).
8:15 – 19:00 (April, May and September).
8:15 – 20:00 (June – August).
Closed on the 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.

Tickets: Full price Euro 2, Reduced Euro 1. Free admission.
Valid also for the Medici Villa of Petraia.

Bookings: Firenze Musei, Tel: +39 055294883. Booking charge: Euro 3 per person.

Disabled persons: The gardens are not easily accessible to persons in wheelchairs.

Schools: Free entry. Booking is compulsory but there is no charge (Tel: +39 055290112)
A list of the students and teachers on headed note-paper must be handed in at the entrance.
If a guide is required, arrangements can be made with Firenze Musei when booking the visit. Charge: Euro 3 per student.

How to contact the Garden: Tel: +39 055454791, Tel: +39 0552388722, Fax: +39 0552388699.