Petraia is one of the most attractive of the Medici villas, both on account of its position in the Tuscan landscape, and for its fine pictorial decoration and the beauty of its garden and park. Situated on the outskirts of Florence, it is a typical Tuscan villa where the Grand-ducal family would retire from the city. Originally an ancient fortified residence, which preserves its great tower, it was enlarged at the end of the 16th century to create the present villa with its beautifully designed terraced garden.
The courtyard of the villa, which was roofed over in the 19th century, is decorated with frescoes by Volterrano and Cosimo Daddi. The famous bronze statue of Venus/Florence by Giambologna, which originally stood above the fountain in the garden of the Medici Villa of Castello, is now exhibited inside.

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 Christman Day.

Tickets: Full price Euro 2, Reduced Euro 1. Free admission.
Valid also for the Garden of the Medici villa of Castello.

Bookings: Firenze Musei, Tel:055 294883. Booking charge: Euro 3 per person.

Disabled persons: The garden is not easily accessible to persons in wheelchairs.
Staff will provide assistance to reach the Villa. (Tel:+39 055452691)

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 055452691, Tel: +39 0552388722, Fax: +39 0552388699.