Villa Artimino

In 1596, Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, commissioned famous Italian architect architect Bernardo Buontalenti to build a hunting villa, which quickly became the court and estate of the Grand Duke and Duchess. Today, Villa Artimino is one of twelve villas and two gardens collectively granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
This particular villa has the unusual nickname of the villa of 100 chimneys. Since Ferdenando I suffered from gout, numerous fireplaces were incorporated into the villa’s design, and their chimneys are visible from miles away. The interior of the estate still contains many of its original frescoes, furnishings and — perhaps most interesting of all — a roasting spit designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Practical Info

Since Villa Artimino is private, visits must be booked in advance.