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When you see the Villa Medicea , you have the feeling about the MEDICI's power in the old days. Called also "Villa Centocamini " which means the 100 Chimneys .
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Date of experience: August 2018
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We stayed here for 2 nights for a wedding. Such an amazing venue. The staff are very welcoming. We stayed in a superior double in the hotel, fabulous room on the 1st floor under the eaves. The food was amazing, we didn’t stop eating on the actual day of the wedding! The views are gorgeous and it’s well worth a walk into the village. I would highly recommended this venue for a fairytale wedding or any other occasion.…
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Date of experience: June 2018
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In 1596 Ferdinando I de’Medici , Grand Duke of Tuscany , was hunting in the hills around Montalbano outside Florence . He was near the village of Artimino and was so taken by the landscape what he sent word back to his wife Cristina di Lorena that he had found a “ rejuvenating place “. By the end of the year the construction of La Ferdinanda had begun under the eye of Bernardo Buontalenti . By 1600 the “ good talented “ builder/Architect had his Grand Duke’s villa completed . A huge magnificent four storied villa , with grand staircases inside and out , and paintings and frescos that have survived over 400 years of ownership changes , sale of some antiques and paintings and the Second World War . It is now owned by the Gruppo Olmo and is used for congresses , meetings and luxury weddings . The Villa itself does not offer accommodation but is used for receptions , concerts , dinners and lectures/meetings . Around 300 people can be seated in it’s major rooms . Accommodation is available in the Varletry , an adjacent two-storied double sided building offering around 36 large bedrooms , modernized but still with some antique furniture . Originally senior staff lived there , a strange name in some circumstances . About 30 metres away is the two storied Biago Pignatta , now a restaurant for breakfasts , lunches and dinners if not attending grand events in the Villa itself . It’s name is that of the Grand Duke’s first butler and was his residence . Sweet job with a great perk . My wife and I attended a five day convention at the Villa and were lucky enough to be bedded in the Varletry . The rest of our group were housed in closeby farmhouse rentals or in the village of Artimino itself , some 800 metres away . Artimino had some restaurants , shops , a baker delivery daily and varied accommodation . Our numbers of around 150 taxed it’s resources. A bus ran spasmodically up and down between the village and the Villa with hills at either end . Many red-faced delegates arrived in the morning for the sessions after missing the bus . The Varletry has a wonderful bar and mini restaurant on the ground level , seeming to run at times that suited itself , but a smile from my pretty wife managed to persuade one of the male staff to always organize drinks or snacks . Men are such simple creatures my wife says . Because it caters for special events it does not seem to be geared up for day to day visitors , but as we had the place booked out I cannot really judge , but I did notice that very few staff could speak English . Even desk staff struggled or maybe it was my pidgin Italian attempts . Novel , a once in a life time , well off the beaten track but a treasure trove of art works , magnificent gardens and an Etruscan forum ruins in the lawn outside our room . Even a swimming pool . Allow one hour to get to Florence central down backroads and through frightening traffic . …
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Date of experience: May 2017
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Been here for 2 scientific meetings in the Villa, and we all promised to return again and again. Hotel rooms are huge and first rate with breathtaking views and solitude. Restaurant supplied incredible service and quality for our group of 120+, not an easy task. Great value as well.…
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Date of experience: June 2017
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Response from Elena N, Direttore at Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda
Responded 23 Jul 2017
Dear AndreM5, thank you so much for your beautiful words. We all hope you can come again to Artimino and enjoy our venue. Thanks Elena
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We came all the way from The USA for our daughter's wedding. It was truly a magical venue for a fairytale wedding.
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Date of experience: August 2016
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Response from Elena N, Direttore at Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda
Responded 23 Jul 2017
Dear Cindilee63, I am so proud that your daighter's wedding as be described as fairytale wedding. We really want to make the wedding day.. the most beautiful one for each couple. Thank you so much Elena
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