The nineth annual installment of Florence’s renowned summer classical music festival, the Ville e Giardini Incantati (Enchanted Villas and Gardens) by the Orchestra della Toscana, began on June 6 and will continue through July 16.
A majority of the events take place at the famous Medici Villas, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and feature music performed by the Orchestra della Toscana. The series’s repertoire consists of music from Viennese classic composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Rossini and Tchaikovsky, as well as 20th-century composers like Sollima, Berio, Rota and Honegger. The concerts last approximately an hour, with no intermission. At several performances (June 27, 28 and 30), the Orchestra della Toscana will be led by violinist Giacomo Bianchi, who is accompanied by the clarinettist Fabrizio Fadda. Another soloist of note includes the violist Stefano Zanobini (July 12). The series also features a Sextet Ensemble and a Wind Quintet.
Similar to previous years, concerts will also take place at the Medici villas of Poggio a Caiano, La Petraia, Cerreto Guidi, Pratolino, Quarrata and Seravezza. There will be 14 concerts throughout the summer. This year, however, the Enchanted Garden Villas will be unveiling a new perspective of the city. Concerts were also held at Villa Bardini and Forte Belvedere. These new locations, were not owned by the Medici family; Forte Belvedere, however, was commissioned by Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici in 1590 for defense.
The two new locations are significant landmarks in Florence’s history. Villa Bardini is a magnificent garden that incorporates several eras of art and culture. The garden sits atop a hill in Florence overlooking the city’s stunning skyline. Forte Belvedere is a 16th-century fortress that was used to symbolize Florence’s wealth and success. The fortress is also located on a hill, which provided a scenic view to those in attendance.
Admission to each performance costs €15, with a reduced price available to Unicoop Firenze members. Certain locations also allow free access upon prior registration. The concerts begin at 9:30 pm.
The La Petraia, Poggio a Caiano, Cerreto Guidi and Seravezza villas all offer both free and paid guided tours to further enrich your immersion in the history and beauty of the venues.
La Petraia was acquired by the Medici family in the mid-1500s. The villa was then passed on to the Grand Dukes of Habsburg-Lorraine, who built a Romantic-style garden. The garden still remains in the north section of the villa. Poggio a Caiano is one of the most famous Medici Villas that will hold a concert this summer. Poggio a Caiano was built in the early 16th century. The villa was commissioned by Lorenzo “The Magnificent” Medici after he purchased a farm. Poggio a Caiano is known for its stunning Renaissance architecture featuring dramatic arches and harmonious proportions. Cerreto Guidi was initially constructed as a hunting lodge for Cosimo I de’ Medici. The villa now houses the Historical Museum of Hunting in addition to a gallery of still life paintings. Finally, the Medici Villa of Seravezza is located in the province of Lucca. The country home was also built by Cosimo I thanks to its strategic location.
Petraia, Cerreto Guidi, Poggio a Caiano, and Quarrata will all offer a buffet catering service upon prior reservation. Villa Bardini and Seravezza will also offer refreshment locations and facilities.
Tickets can be purchased at the Teatro Verdi box office in Florence. Tickets can also be purchased online, at Ticketone.it.
The Medici family once used these villas to escape the summer heat. Today, you can do the same by visiting their medieval villas and enjoying music, tours, and buffets. (Mia Schaeperkoetter)
Enchanted Villas & Gardens 2025
Music and concerts at the Tuscan Medici Villas
Friday, June 27 – Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano at 9:30 pm
Saturday, June 28 – Villa Medicea La Petraia at 9:30 pm
Monday, June 30 – Forte Belvedere at 9:30 pm
ORCHESTRA DELLA TOSCANA conducted by Giovanni Conti with soloist Fabrizio Fadda (clarinet). Music of Mozart and Rossini.
Tuesday, July 8 – Palazzo Mediceo di Seravezza at 9:30 pm
ORT WIND QUINTET, music of Berio, Rota, Puccini and Verdi.
Saturday, July 12 – Villa Medicea di Cerreto Guidi at 9:30 pm
ORCHESTRA DELLA TOSCANA, conducted by Giacomo Bianchi (violin soloist). Music of Mozart and Haydn.
Wednesday, July 16 – Villa Medicea La Magia di Quarrata at 9:30 pm
ORT SEXTET ENSEMBLE. Music of Mozart and Tchaikovsky (Souvenir of Florence). Medici Villa La Magia (Quarrata). 9:30 pm.
