Villa medicea di Cerreto Guidi
Hunting residence commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in the 16th century, today home to the Museo storico della caccia e del territorio.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The villa was built by Cosimo I de’ Medici as a hunting residence and a strategic lookout over the Padule di Fucecchio. The works took place around 1564–1566 under the direction of Davide Fortini; the design of the two monumental ramps, known as the “ponti medicei” (Medici bridges), is traditionally attributed to Bernardo Buontalenti. In July 1576 Isabella de’ Medici died here.
The villa later belonged to the Geddes da Filicaia family. In 1966 it was bought by Galliano Boldrini, who donated it to the Italian State in 1969; it was opened to the public on 18 June 1978. Since 2002 it has housed the Museo storico della caccia e del territorio (Historical Museum of Hunting and the Territory).
The rooms hold portraits of the Medici family, including a full-length portrait of Cosimo I as grand duke, tapestries from the Medici manufactory and works from the bequest of Stefano Bardini, acquired by the State in 1996. Roman and medieval marbles are displayed in the loggias and under the ramps; the museum also includes prints and hunting weapons, and a hunting residence from the Lorraine period.
Highlights
- Portrait of Cosimo I de’ Medici as grand duke
- Tapestries from the Medici manufactory
- Works from the Bardini bequest
- Ramps of the “ponti medicei” (Medici bridges)
- Hunting weapons and prints
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo storico della caccia e del territorio – Prints and hunting weapons, a hunting residence from the Lorraine period and testimonies on the territory.
- Ritratti e arazzi medicei – Portraits of the Medici family and tapestries from the Medici manufactory.
- Founded
- 1978
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali della Toscana
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2visitors aged 18 to 25; other reductions and free admission under the rules of the state museums |
| Combined ticket with Poggio a Caiano | €10Valid 12 months |
| Combined ticket for the four Medici villas | €16Valid 12 months |
| Annual pass | €16Unlimited entries |
The guided tour is included in the ticket.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
A bookshop with guides and catalogues is available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours with museum staff, for a maximum of 25 people, leave at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 16:00. A virtual visit online is also available. |
