On the road from Florence towards Pisa, you will be amazed at the hilly landscape of Montalbano, a place full of vineyards and olive groves.

The spectacular scenery surrounds the impressive karst massif formation of Calvana, which faces the woody spur on the right bank of the Bisenzio River: this is the land of Leonardo da Vinci.

The land was very prosperous even during the Middle Ages, thanks to the manufacturing of fabrics and wools, the same that made the Medici family rich.

The beauty and bounty of the land inspired the noble family to elect this region for their summer retreat.  Lorenzo the Magnificent, Francesco the 1st, and Ferdinando the Grand Duke wanted the villages of Carmignano and Poggio a Caiano to be their country residences to enjoy the nature, the hunting and the great parties held in the beautiful gardens.

Following the tracks of these historic personages and admiring the majesty of the villas, you will witness the innovation and ingenuity of the Medici and their foremost architect, Gian Battista Alberty. Here, you can explore the beauty that is hidden in the connection between buildings, works of art, nature, vast parks, and organized plantations.