Cerreto Guidi ... At the Medici home
Cosimo I wanted the villa, a splendid construction of the 16th Century, to be built on the ruins of an ancient castle that originally belonged to the Guidi Counts. The villa was the ideal place for hunting and resting. The territory of Cerreto Guidi spreads out gentle hills with olive trees and vineyards. Amidst two areas of particular naturalistic interest: the Montalbano on the east and the "Padule di Fucecchio" on the west. The hills are dotted with countryside houses, farms, villas and little churches. An evocative hilly scenery pleasant to travel through by car, by bike or on foot.

HIGHLIGHTS
Complesso Mediceo

Villa Medici.
Built during the second half of the 16th Century, it is noteworthy for its austere facade with simple framed windows and the Medici coat of arms above the main entrance. It is the site of the National Museum of the Villa Medici which houses an icono-graphic Medici collection with portraits of the family members up to the time of Ferdi-nando I and also certain household furnishings of later periods.

Pieve di San Leonardo.
Of unknown origins, its architecture is in the late Romanesque style like the buildings of the Elsa Valley. Inside one finds a valuable baptismal font in polychrome glazed terracotta from the workshop of Giovanni della Robbia.

I ponti medicei.
Evocative staircases built by the architect Bernardo Buon-talenti, leading to the square in front of the villa. They provide a contrast to the villa thanks to their majesty and their striking color.

Oratorio di Santa Liberata
According to an oral tradition Bernardino da Civeglio painted an enthroned Madonna between the Saints Faustina and Liberata.
A chapel was then built to house the paintings and was dedicated by the inhabitants of Cerreto to Saint Liberata several centuries ago. In the interior is an interesting, donated wooden ceiling with a fine panel depicting the patron saint.

Oratorio della Santissima Trinità
Small building dating back to 16th Century situated in the central via Saccenti. In the interior is a beautiful painting called The Communion of Santa Liberata.

Porta a Palagio
In the past there were four gates around the castle of the Guidi Counts, that stood in the place of the present Villa Medicea. Porta a Palagio is the only remaining gate. Next to the gate you can see the Podesta palace.

EVENTS NOT TO MISS
Wine Festival. Tuscan wine exhibition in the old town centre. Second week of July.

Palio del Cerro held in honor of Santa Liberata whose day is formally celebrated on the Sunday after. A costume parade as well as ancient trials of strength and ability are held at the bottom of the "Medici bridges" amidst a beautiful night backdrop. Last Sunday in August.

Santa Iiberata's Day. A religious feast with Masses and processions occurring along the streets of the town and punctuated with a fireworks display. This is the feast in which the inhabitants of Cerreto participate with the greatest enthusiasm. First Sunday in September.

Medici home villa complex 16th century

IT IS SAID THAT....
The Medici Villa of Cerreto Guidi was in the "headlines" of the 16th Century because of the" tragic event that took place there. Isabella, daughter of Cosimo I, was murdered there by her husband Paolo Giordano Orsini, with the consent of her brother Francesco I, because she was suspected of adultery.

PANORAMIC ROADS
If you want to truly experience the romance of Cerreto hills, follow the road (via prov. di San Zio) that connects Cerreto Guidi and Bassa, passing through San Zio along the way. The road that links Cerreto to Vinci is also very beautiful (6 km).

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