Art & Culture
Gardens, Villas & Historic Estates
Beyond its towns and vineyards, Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s most celebrated gardens and historic estates. Edith Wharton once wrote that to understand the old Tuscan garden, one should look beyond Florence to the smaller towns around Siena — a useful reminder that some of the region’s most interesting examples lie close to Villa Cetinale.
Villa Cetinale itself is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest Baroque villas, with formal gardens, woodland walks and architectural features that remain remarkably intact. Its setting, between Siena and the surrounding countryside, makes it a natural starting point for anyone interested in Tuscan garden design.
Further south, La Foce is renowned for the gardens created by Iris Origo and the English architect Cecil Pinsent. Overlooking the Val d’Orcia, it combines formal structure with wide views across one of Tuscany’s most recognisable landscapes.
For those willing to travel a little further, Villa Lante near Viterbo is considered one of Italy’s great Renaissance gardens, known for its terraces, fountains and extraordinary water features.
These visits can be combined with a scenic drive, lunch at a local restaurant or a stop in a nearby hill town. For opening times, private visits and suggested itineraries, the house manager will be happy to assist.
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