Todays's destination is the Medici Villa Demidoff, situated in Pratolino, an area just to the north of Florence. It's only about half an hour from the city. We drive up the Via Bolognese, an old road that leads to Bologna. The views down the valley are spectacular and in no time we're there. The Villa is set in the huge Park at Pratolino and looks very much like an English style park with actual grass, rather than the olive groves and vineyards we have become used to. This is no mistake as it was originally created in an English style in 1818 by Ferdinando III.
The Villa is not especially interesting. Apparently the original Villa designed by Buontalenti in 1575 and which cost twice as much as theUfizzi to build, was pulled down in the 19th century.
The Pratolino estate was bougt by the Russian Demidoff family and they restored the various buildings that you can see today.
One of the great draws of the park is this huge sculpture that has been hewn out of rock. It was created by the artist Giambologna in 1580. It's called 'Apennini' after the mountain range and is certainly very impressive!
It's a local musician, Riccardo Marasco and he is singing some Baroque style, Tuscan folk songs and playing this strange looking guitar...
We've had a lovely time here and decide to stay out for dinner. On our way back we stop at Fiesole and find a romantic restaurant with a rather nice view overlooking Florence. As the sun goes down, it's a very pleasant way to end the day.
(Original journal entry 25/5/02)
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