Short history lesson: The Medici were an Italian banking family and political dynasty. The family rose to power in Florence in the 15th century and ruled till the 18th century. They owned several villas outside of Florence.

Villa Demidoff is the current name of Medicean Paggeria of Pratolino, one of the villas bought by Francesco I de' Medici in 1568. It is about 25-30 minutes north of Florence’s city center by car or bus.

What brought my attention to this villa was the 16th century sculpture known as Colosso dell'Appennino, or the Appennine Colossus. A fun fact is that inside the giant hides several rooms with different functions. The sculpture was created as a symbol of Italy’s rugged Apennine mountains.

The sculpture sits in a park with several other hidden gems - you should check them out!