The Medici villas are a series of rural building complexes situated in Tuscany, which were owned by members of the Medici family between the 15th century and the 17th century. On June 23rd 2013 the villas were added to Unesco World Heritage list.
The villas are significant for their architectural design and ornamental gardens. Many of the gardens still preserve prestigious botanic collections.
This complex of villas had several functions: as country palaces of the Medici they simply demonstrate their wealth throughout the territory. They also supported agricultural activities and were often used as leisure residences or to accommodate hunting parties.
This series of villas was portrayed by the Flemish painter Justus Utens for the Grand duke Ferdinando I Medici.
