Villa del Poggio Imperiale
Villa del Poggio Imperiale is a predominantly neoclassical former grand ducal villa in Arcetri, just to the south of Florence in Tuscany, Central Italy. Beginning as a villa of the Baroncelli of Florence, it was seized by the Medici, became the home of a Medici princess, and a lavish retreat for a Grand Duchess with imperial pretensions. Later given to Napoleon's sister, it was reclaimed by the hereditary rulers of Tuscany before being finally converted to a prestigious girls' school. During its long history, it has often been at the centre of Italy's turbulent history, and has been rebuilt and redesigned many times.
Villa del poggio imperiale, front entrance
Villa del Poggio Imperiale in the early 18th century
A corner of the main courtyard. The 18th century Baroque segmented pediments above the windows survived the 19th century rebuilding.
The interior of the glazed arcade which surrounds the principal courtyard
Neoclassical architecture in Tuscany
Neoclassical architecture in Tuscany established itself between the second half of the eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth century within a historical-political framework substantially aligned with the one that affected the rest of the Italian peninsula, while nonetheless developing original features.
Pasquale Poccianti, Cisternone, Livorno
Agostino Fantastici, Montalcino Cathedral, interior
Jean-Nicolas Jadot, Triumphal Arch, Florence
Carl Marcus Tuscher, project for the facade of the basilica of San Lorenzo, in Florence