Heaven on Earth: Decameron Villa
The Villa where Boccaccio wrote the Decameron
Queen Victoria's Favorite Tuscan Villa
Queen Victoria's Haven during her Travels in Florence
THE VILLA
Decameron Villa
Decameron Villa: a Historic Mansion in the Florentine Hills
Discover the Elegance of One of Italy's Most Prestigious Villas
There is a villa that stands majestically on the hills of Florence: it’s Decameron Villa, one of the most prestigious and historic properties in Italy, located in the renowned setting of Fiesole. Considered one of the five most expensive residences in Italy, it is a symbol of elegance, with a history dating back to the 14th century and is today a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture.
It’s the one from which the famous Giovanni Boccaccio was inspired to write the Decameron, a literary masterpiece of the 14th century.
The Garden that Inspired Boccaccio: the Heaven on Earth
Explore the Magic of the Renaissance Gardens at Decameron Villa
The gardens, meticulously tended and dotted with fountains, mirror the paradisiacal retreat described by Boccaccio, offering a glimpse into an eternal, harmonious beauty. This suggestive panorama inspired the writer for the Third Day of his work.
“The sight of this garden, its beautiful order, the plants and the fountain with the little streams proceeding from it, so pleased each woman and the three young men that they all began to affirm that, if Heaven could be made on earth, they did not know what other form than that of that garden could be given to it” – wrote Boccaccio, thus immortalizing the enchanting beauty of the place.
Over the centuries, Decameron Villa has transformed in harmony with the ages. The significant renovation of 1697 bestowed it with a panoramic terrace, a five-arched loggia, and graceful staircases leading to a once-vibrant lemon garden. The 19th century saw the garden reborn as an English park, adorned with exotic flora and enchanting features like the Fonte dei Tre Visi and a neo-baroque chapel.
Decameron Villa Today: the Perfect Blend of History and Luxury
A Renaissance Architectural Masterpiece that Meets Modern Luxury
Today, the villa with its impressive 4000 m2 and a 9-hectare park (the second largest in Florence after the Boboli Gardens), majestically dominates the Florentine hills.
Wandering through its countless rooms is like embarking on a journey through time and space. The villa’s grand halls, adorned with Ghilardini’s exquisite stuccoes and marble busts of illustrious past residents, including Queen Victoria, offer whispers of history. The upper floors, modernized yet timeless, showcase Pandolfo Reschi’s grand paintings, capturing the villa’s evolution through the ages. The interior, then, fascinates with its frescoed halls that tell stories from over four centuries.
Decameron Villa is not only a monument to history, but also a refuge of contemporary luxury, with a private tennis court and a dedicated helicopter landing pad. Furthermore, an ancient tub convertible into a swimming pool offers the opportunity to enjoy the Tuscan sun in an exclusive and timeless environment. Here, beauty and history intertwine, creating a symphony of elegance and charm that enchants all who enter.
Contact Dreamer Real Estate Agent
to receive information about the Decameron villa
HISTORY
DECAMERON VILLA
Villa Decameron’s Origins
The History of the Eighteenth-Century Mansion in the Florentine Hills
Decameron Villa, originally owned by the Fini family, was sold in 1454 to Matteo di Marco Palmieri and in 1697, the heir Palmiero Palmieri began a renovation, adding a south-facing terrace, a five-arched loggia and the distinctive pincer staircase that lead to the lemon garden.
In 1760, the villa passed to the third Earl Cowper and subsequently to the English Earl of Crawford and Belcaress, who transformed the garden into an English park in the mid-nineteenth century.
Queen Victoria of England's Favorite Villa
The Magnificence of Gardens Meets the Touch of English Nobility
Today, the oldest remaining part is the lemon garden, characterized by the geometric design of the flower beds enclosed by box hedges, as evidenced by an eighteenth-century engraving by Giuseppe Zocchi. Some trees in the garden bear plaques commemorating the stays of Queen Victoria of England, who often visited Florence towards the end of the nineteenth century. His private apartments in the Decameron Villa were almost entirely furnished by the Windsors.
A Refuge of Inspiration and Eternal Luxury
Here the Soul of the Decameron Relives Between Past and Present
Fundamental to the history of the villa was the contribution of Giovanni Boccaccio, born in 1313 in Certaldo, near Florence. He represents one of the most illustrious figures in Italian literature, famous for the work that collects the one hundred tales told by a group of young people who took refuge in a villa in the Florentine hills to escape the Black Death that was ravaging Florence in 1348.
Today, Decameron Villa is not only a monument of inestimable historical value but also a contemporary luxury retreat that continues to captivate with its beauty. Experiencing it is like immersing oneself in the same atmosphere that inspired one of the greatest writers of world literature.
Contact Dreamer Real Estate Agent
to receive information about the Decameron villa
LOCATION
DECAMERON VILLA
Decameron Villa: the Tuscan Dream
History and Nature in the Villa a stone's throw from Florence
On the slopes of Fiesole, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in all of Florence, stands Decameron Villa: so close to panoramic views and within easy walking distance of the city’s historic center.
Its proximity to the center of Florence further enriches its charm: in a few minutes you can immerse yourself in its vibrant energy and then retreat to a corner of peace and tranquility. Here the serenity of the hillside village of Fiesole offers precious comfort. In this corner of Tuscany, life is transformed into a daydream, where beauty and serenity come together in a symphony of perfection.
The Enchantment of Fiesole on the Florentine Hills
A Unique Window Overlooking Florence
Fiesole is an enchanting town that offers breathtaking views of Tuscany’s capital city.
Overlooking Florence from the hills, with cobblestone streets and a quiet atmosphere, it’s a place of peace and history. Here time seems to slow down, beautifully contrasting with the dynamism of the city below. From its elevated position, it offers a unique spectacle of Florentine architectural beauty, allowing you to appreciate the charm of the city and its artistic heritage in all its magnificence.
The Eternal Beauty of Florence
Among Hilly Landscapes and Special Atmospheres
Every corner of Fiesole offers a breathtaking sight: the views that embrace Florence and the surrounding countryside are like a living painting that enchants and captivates the soul.
In this almost magical area, Decameron Villa with its unique and unparalleled panoramic view of Florence surrounds you in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Everything here invites you to discover its every corner, revealing a unique and fascinating place.
Contact Dreamer Real Estate Agent
to receive information about the Decameron villa
Decameron Villa Location
GALLERY
DECAMERON VILLA
Contact Dreamer Real Estate Agent
to receive information about the Decameron villa
Heaven on Earth
A few steps from Florence Historic Center
The Hills of Fiesole as the Setting for this Unique Luxury Villa
The Second Largest Park in Florence
A 9-hectare Park with Italian and English Gardens and More
Decameron Villa on Global Media Spotlight
PRESS
Decameron Villa Features
Contact Dreamer Real Estate Agent
to receive information about the Decameron villa
Decameron Villa Position
