Storia
The castle of Cafaggiolo is north of Florence, in the valley of the river Sieve known as the Mugello. This valley is where the Medici family had its origin.
The original plan of the castle dates from the 14th century. At that time it was a fortress of the Republic. In 1443 it passed into the hands of the Medici family as an inheritance. In 1452 Cosimo The Elder asked Michelozzo to transform the fortress into a residential home.
In the lunette by Giusto Utens (above, 1599) you can see the austere outline of the construction but also feel the relaxing atmosphere which surrounds the villa.
Inside the walls the medici stayed for long periods and entertained famous writers and artistis. The spacious rooms and surrounding grounds were the meeting place for parties, dances and receptions for popes and princes.
Lorenzo The Magnificent spent part of his childhood at Cafaggiolo, and as an adult he would spend his time here surrounded by men of culture such as Pulci, Poliziano, Marsilio Ficino and Pico Della Mirandola. Pulci red his Morgante at the dinner table and Poliziano composed part of the "Stanze". Lorenzo would amuse himself composing "I Canti Carnacialeschi".
In 1515 the doors of the castle opened to Pope Leone X. He had grown up there with his brothers and his mother, Clarice Orsini. Future Medici brides were also receveid. Margherita of Austria was welcomed by Catherine De Medici and 12 ladies in waiting.
In 1665 Joanne of Austria arrived here before her marriage with Granduke Francis I.
After the Medici had died out at the death of Giangastone (1737) the castle continued to attract famous people. It passed into the hands of the Haupsburg Lorraine family.
In 1864 the Italian Government sold it to to Prince Borghese who carried out large scale modifications to the Michelozzo construction which until then had remained unaltered for centuries. The enclosing walls were demolished and the moat was filled in. The rooms inside were redecorated in an ancient style.
Today, the castle is a private property.