Florence Environs
As amazing as Florence is, the country side, hills, and towns outside of Florence can be both a relief from the bustle, crowds, and summer time heat and an adventure in an of themselves. This section highlights a few places to go and things to see outside and around Florence.
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Below are some of our most recent entries posted in the Florence Environs category - use the links at the end of the page to access all the articles individually.
Medici Villa at Poggio a Caiano
Poggio a Caiano is a former Medici villa at the foot of the Albano hills. It is on record as being the only surviving architectural structure commissioned by Lorenzo the Magnificent, and became a favorite of his that was used by the family dynasty for centuries. It was also one of the favored summer residences of the grand duchess of Tuscany Elisa Baciocchi Buonaparte, Napoleon's sister, and the possible site of her affair with NicolಠPaganini, who gave concerts in the Villa's theater. It was eventually a summer residence of King Victor Emmanuele II before being turned over to the state.
Medici Villas Map
The Medici ruled Florence and most of the surrounding territory almost continuously from the early 15th century to the early 18th century. A large part of their legacy is the constellation of villas they left: a network of rural buildings, farms, hunting lodges, and villas used as country palaces by the Medici for vacations, hunts, parties, and family celebrations.
Click on the pins in the map for more information about the many villas of the Medici that surround Florence:
Field Near Settignano
I had a chance to take a walk in a field in the hills around Florence up near Settignano this afternoon:
Montelupo Golf Club
We found a new course (new to us at least) on the web the other day, the Montelupo Golf Club. It looks pretty good for a nine hole - the par is 36 so you get to take the big clubs out of the bag on several holes. The best part is the twilight fee of 20 euros. I will be playing a round here soon I hope and post more about it when I do.
Florence Golf Courses
Golfing is not a huge sport in Italy, but there are a few real courses around Florence (as opposed to the couple of pitch and putt places that are also in the area). Below are some of the more reputable Golf clubs and courses if you feel the need to tee it up while here:
- Florence Golf Club Ugolino One of the most famous courses in the region, in a great location heading down towards Greve on the 222 (the Via Chiantigiana). We have only heard good things about this course, but I am afraid to say that we have not had the chance to play it. Their website (in English) is comprehensive, including directions, rates, and contact details.
- Poggio dei Medici Golf & Country Club This is another excellent looking golf course we would like to play! Located about 25 kilometers north of Florence, in the Mugello region. It is a newer course, opened in 1995, but has quickly built a strong international reputation and is host to several major golf events. Their website is in English and has complete details.
- Golf Club Le Pavoniere This course is just outside of Prato, about 20 kilometers west of Florence. Their website (unfortunately for us English speakers) is only in Italian, but this is a full 18 hole course with the usual amenities.
All entries in Florence Environs (alphabetical listing)
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