Medici villa of Poggio a Caiano < Artesplorando

VIn the late 15th century, fear of the plague, excessive spending, and inspiration from the classical texts of Pliny the Younger led to the birth of the humanist villas, with the Medici villa of Poggio a Caianomade by Giuliano da Sangallo per Lorenzo de’Medicias one of the most emblematic examples. Lorenzo, known for his interest in architecture, was one of the first to study the treatise Leon Battista Albertiprinted in 1485. Compared to the first Medici villas, that of Poggio a Caiano is particularly imposing, situated on a hill and dominating the surrounding landscape.

Externally, the pediment, typical of ancient temples, decorated with a terracotta frieze made by the Della Robbia, represented one of the most remarkable innovations. Internally, the villa is notable for a large barrel vault decorated with gilded treasure chests and Medici weapons. It was the first time since ancient times that a structure of this size had been rebuilt.

Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano: a turning point

This villa represented a turning point in residential architecture, serving as a model for future Palladian villas and providing a prototype for international stately homes in the countryside. In the 19th century, the original stairs perpendicular to the facade were replaced by arcuate ramps, designed by P.asquale Poccianti and created by Giuseppe Cacialli. The use of the pediment in a residential context was an innovation probably inspired by the ancient temple of Serapis in Rome.

The terracotta frieze, rich in allegories and classical myths, referred directly to the Medici family. The elevated structure of the villa not only enhanced the views, but also ensured that the living areas were clearly separated from the agricultural areas below, including a dairy cattle and silkworm farm, imported by Lorenzo from Lombardy.

C.C