Guided tours of the gardens

The guided tour lasts approximately one hour, during which you will discover the gardens of Villa Medici as well as details about its history, architecture and the artworks it houses. The tour begins with a description of the facade facing the gardens – set with original roman low-reliefs , copies of roman and Renaissance statues such as the Giambologna ‘s Mercury , as well as contemporary sculptures and symbols related to the history of the Medici family. The tour continues with the « shadow side of the gardens »: the Gypsotheque, the Cleopatra Loggia, celebrated by Diego Velasquez in a famous painting, the Cardinal Ferdinand de’ Medici pavilion (often called Studiolo ) frescoed by Jacopo Zucchi in 1576-77, with a beautiful representation of a birdcage, allegories of the seasons, a cycle of Aesop’s fables, and several views of the Villa as it was meant to be or looked like. You then reach the Loggia, the heart of the Villa. The walk ends up with a breathtaking view of the Eternal City, from the Belvedere. Hours : 9.45 / 10.30 / 11.45 / 15.00 / 16.15 / 17.30. A tour in English is available at 11.45. Groups of 10 people min. can book at additional timetables. Admission : 8 € full / 6 € reduced (if applicable). Information available at the Villa Medici reception: T. +39 0667611 – e-mail: [email protected]