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A historic villa rediscovers its former glory Villa bardini
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Villa Bardini stands next to Fort Belvedere and offers a breathtaking view from the top of Costa San Giorgio over the quarter of San Niccolň and much of Florence.A simple country villa of the 14th century, it was restructured and enlarged in the 17th century by the architect Gherardo Silvani for his friend Francesco Manadori (it was previously known as Villa Manadora or as Villa Belvedere, because of its magnificent view). It was later acquired by Stefano Bardini, the antiquarian, who further enlarged it and the surrounding gardens, with the loggia and lemon houses.
After years of abandon, the great villa, which once contained the collections of Bardini, has been restored and transformed (thanks to the Ente Cassa di Risparmio), as an important cultural centre to host exhibitions, concerts, conventions and conferences, as well as two new Museums: the Roberto Capucci Museum (with the collections by the famous sculptor of fashion and femininity); and the Annigoni Museum, dedicated to this contemporary genius, whose work was inspired by the great artists of the Renaissance. It will also host the Tuscan Horticultural Society, which has been studying and producing flowers, fruit, vegetables and other delights for the garden and the table since the 19th century.
The four floors of the villa are divided as follows: the ground floor contains a display of archeological remains from the gardens and a refined restaurant; the second floor instead boasts a huge convention and exhibition hall, together with the offices of the Bardini Peyron Foundation, the Capucci Foundation, the Tuscan Horticultural Society, a library and a flat for the custodian; the third floor is to be split between the Annigoni Museum (opening 2008) and the Capucci Museum, which also extends to floor above.
The fascinating itinerary that runs inside the 14th century city walls from Porta Romana to the Pitti Palace, through the Boboli Gardens and the Garden of the Cavaliere up to Fort Belvedere is now linked up with Villa Manadora or Bardini and its splendid grounds.
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