The villa was built by Lorenzo the Magnificent to a plan by Giuliano da Sangallo, at the foot of the Albano hills, beautifully situated in a large estate between Florence, Prato and Pistoia.
The villa has a portico on each side, facing the garden and the surrounding countryside, and reflects the humanist trends in architecture inspired by classical antiquity. Building was begun around 1485 but was interrupted at Lorenzo’s death in 1492.
Work continued under pope Leo X, son of Lorenzo, and the villa was finally completed in the second half of the 16th century.
The Salone, named after Leo X, is splendidly decorated with allegorical frescoes celebrating the Medici family, painted by Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, Franciabigio and Alessandro Allori.

Visiting 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. The ticket office closes one hour before closing time.

Tickets: Full price Euro 2, Reduced Euro 1. Free admission.

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

Disabled persons: Access for disabled visitors is limited to the Villa. The garden is 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 ticket office.
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 Villa: Tel: +39 055877012, Tel: +39 0552388722, Fax: +39 0552388699.