Lastra a Signa
Old and ancient, Lastra a Signa in Tuscany
derives its name from the Lastra dei Gangalandi
family who held the fiefdom. But its history
goes back to the year 1000 when the Cadolingi
di Fucecchio lords held Lastra a Signa under
their rule. Lastra a Signa is positioned
at a strategic point right in the middle
of the Arno Valley. Having access to the
sea, Lastra became a focal port for Florence
and Pisa. The city center stands on the
foundations of the fortifications built
on Mount Cascioli and Mount Orlando. Lastra
defended itself against continuous sieges
against Florence and Pisa. In 1377, the
town of Lastra was encircled with town walls
and a crenallated tower.
Enclosed by its medieval walls and the
gates of Pisane and Bacchio, the Saint Mary
Church built in 1404 is in the middle of
Lastra. The lovely works of art are still
preserved in the church displaying a painting
by Francesco Conti named "Saint Rocco
in Glory" and another painting portraying
"Our Lady", that dates back to
the 14th century. You can also find a memorable
work that portrays Podestà's Tabernacle
with a fresco dating back to the 16th century
with "Our Lady with the Child between
the Saints John Baptist and Francis".
The Praetorian Palace in Lastra a Signa
still has the emblems of the Podestàs
on the walls. The breathtaking Villa di
Bellosguardo or the villa with a beautiful
view in Lastra was owned by the famous tenor
Enrico Caruso. The lovely Renaissance Villa
Bellosguardo was earlier owned by the Marquises
Pucci and was renowned for its fabulous
architecture. As you enter its elegant doorway,
you will find beautiful rooms with soaring
vaulted ceilings, grand staircases, frescoed
friezes and deep pink velvet upholstered
furniture. Ornate in structure with rich
and varied architecture, the gorgeous Ballroom
leads to the refreshing Orangerie that is
striking with fantastic views. Historical
and artistic, Lastra a Signa is famous for
its ancient churches, villas and country
homes of the nobles of the Middle Ages and
a retreat of the rich and the famous through
the Renaissance period.
Lastra a Signa opens out her beautiful
countryside with the stunning colors of
Tuscany. As the eye traverses the rich scenery,
the famous Villa Pandolfini comes into view
with its lush private forests. This beautiful
castle dates back to the 1200s and was built
by the Medicis for their family and friends
who loved to hunt. Later, the Pandolfini
family owned this lovely villa and also
another historical one called ‘Le
Torre’ that was a walled castle from
the 1300s. Agnolo di Filippo, who was a
great friend of Cosimo de Medici, lived
at Villa Pandolfini for 12 years. It was
here that he wrote his historical dialogues
on the governing of the family. He died
in 1446 at the age of 86. In 1434, Filippo’s
nephew renovated the villa with fabulous
architecture with the date, 1488, engraved
on its wall that portrays the time of the
completion of the renovation.
Created with stunning architecture with
a linear concept, the harmony and space
have been balanced to please the eye and
deliver an aesthetic sense. The famous architect,
Benedetto da Rovezzano executed the renovation
with a keen eye for detail displaying beautiful
carved windows, a lovely loggia, excellent
stonework and free flowing lines. The Villa
has been host to several personalities including
Napoleon, King Carlo VIII of France and
King Charles VIII of France.
The early 1800s saw the Pandolfini family
selling their antique villa to the Samminiatelli
family. They in turn sold the villa to the
De Prat family who had returned after their
exile from France following the Revolution.
The estate ranges over a huge area of private
forests, vineyards and olive groves. Tranquil,
stunning and spacious, the villa is just
10 minutes away from Florence. The Villa
showcases antiques, frescoed ceilings, a
lovely loggia and an amazing Renaissance
garden. With elegance and an air of mystery
surrounding the Villa, inviting paths lead
to beautiful walks, an outdoor dining area
and a tranquil ambience. The Villa Pandolfini
is vantage starting point for great excursions
into the heart of Tuscany. The estate produces
extra virgin olive oil and typical Chianti
wine under detailed and careful supervision.
The Villa Pandolfini basks under the Tuscan
sun and is adorned with frescoes, mirrors
with gold gilt, terracotta floors and elegant
columns carved in stone. Decorated beautifully,
the rooms are bedecked with silk curtains,
ornate fireplaces and a beautiful antique
crystal chandelier. The Villa was originally
built as a hunting lodge for nobles of bygone
days and is a fabulous retreat just a few
miles from Florence. The gallery kitchen
is a work of wonder with its enormous fireplace
and an old marble sink. The Villa Pandolfini
is a work of art, a picturesque getaway
and enhances lifestyles with a rich and
royal air.
- Artimino
- Montelupo
-
Vinci
- Malmantile
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