This sumptuous Renaissance palace was built for Cardinal Ricci da Montepulciano in 1540, but Ferdinando dei Medici bought it in 1576. It remained in Medici hands until 1801, when Napoleon acquired it for the French Academy. Take a tour to see the wonderful landscaped gardens , cardinal's painted apartments, and incredible views over Rome. Note the pieces of ancient Roman sculpture from the Ara Pacis embedded in the villa's walls.
The villa's most famous resident was Galileo, who was imprisoned here between 1630 and 1633 during his trial for heresy, though Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg stayed here in the 1960s. There are up to 19 resident French-speaking artists and musicians, with exhibitions and performances at the end of February and June. There's a lovely, high-ceilinged cafe that sells reasonably priced panini and light lunches (€3 to €12), plus prosecco (sparkling wine; €4).You can also stay at the villa, for a price, see the website.
