Villa dell'Ombrellino (Villa of the Little Umbrella), Florence
Perched on the scenic heights of Bellosguardo, the historic Villa of the Little Umbrella just outside Florence is known for its sweeping views, lush gardens, and rich cultural legacy. Originally built in 1372, it was home to the Segni family for over four centuries, including the historian Bernardo Segni; however, during the early 17th century, the villa found a notable tenant鈥擥alileo Galilei. From 1617 to 1631, the renowned scientist lived here, preferring the hilltop quiet over the bustle of Florence. It was here that Galileo worked on "The Assayer" and his groundbreaking "Dialogue Concerning the Chief World Systems".
During his residence, Galileo conducted astronomical observations, particularly on the motions of Jupiter鈥檚 satellites鈥攌nown as the Medicean planets鈥攁nd collaborated with fellow scientist Benedetto Castelli. These years marked a period of intense scientific activity and innovation, preceding Galileo鈥檚 final relocation to Arcetri. The villa thus remains a significant location in the history of science, serving as the backdrop for some of the astronomer鈥檚 most critical theoretical developments.
In 1815, the villa underwent a transformation under Countess Teresa Spinelli Albizi, who added an ornate iron pavilion shaped like a Chinese umbrella to the garden terrace, thus giving the building its current name. Later, in 1874, the Russian statesman Alexei Zubov acquired the estate and merged it with the adjacent Villa Torricella, redesigning the landscape into a vast romantic park filled with exotic plants such as palm trees, bamboo, and ginkgo biloba.
By the 20th century, the garden facing Florence was reimagined as an Italian-style garden by Cecil Pinsent, a British architect known for shaping some of Tuscany鈥檚 most refined green spaces. The villa gained further notoriety in the early 1900s as the home of Alice Keppel, a well-known figure in Edwardian society, and later her daughter Violet Trefusis, a writer and socialite.
During his residence, Galileo conducted astronomical observations, particularly on the motions of Jupiter鈥檚 satellites鈥攌nown as the Medicean planets鈥攁nd collaborated with fellow scientist Benedetto Castelli. These years marked a period of intense scientific activity and innovation, preceding Galileo鈥檚 final relocation to Arcetri. The villa thus remains a significant location in the history of science, serving as the backdrop for some of the astronomer鈥檚 most critical theoretical developments.
In 1815, the villa underwent a transformation under Countess Teresa Spinelli Albizi, who added an ornate iron pavilion shaped like a Chinese umbrella to the garden terrace, thus giving the building its current name. Later, in 1874, the Russian statesman Alexei Zubov acquired the estate and merged it with the adjacent Villa Torricella, redesigning the landscape into a vast romantic park filled with exotic plants such as palm trees, bamboo, and ginkgo biloba.
By the 20th century, the garden facing Florence was reimagined as an Italian-style garden by Cecil Pinsent, a British architect known for shaping some of Tuscany鈥檚 most refined green spaces. The villa gained further notoriety in the early 1900s as the home of Alice Keppel, a well-known figure in Edwardian society, and later her daughter Violet Trefusis, a writer and socialite.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Villa dell'Ombrellino (Villa of the Little Umbrella) on Map
Sight Name: Villa dell'Ombrellino (Villa of the Little Umbrella)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Florence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Florence Introduction Walking Tour
Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Laid out like a Roman military camp, its main roads intersected at what is now the Republic Square. Originally named Fluentia, referencing its location between two rivers, the city later adopted the name Florentia, meaning 鈥渇lowering鈥� or 鈥渇lourishing鈥�.
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Florence's Hidden Art Treasures
The 鈥淐radle of the Renaissance,鈥� Florence is one of Europe鈥檚 most beautiful and busiest destinations, home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art and architecture. The iconic masters like Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as their somewhat less-known but equally talented counterparts, such as Ghirlandaio, Sangallo and Castagno, have blessed this city with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Medici Landmarks Walking Tour
The Medici family helped to establish Florence as the single most important art capital of Renaissance Europe. In order to prove wealth and power, they built numerous palaces, libraries, churches, chapels and personal residences. The Medicis were big lovers of art and they acquired huge, expensive collections, as well as supporting many sculptors and painters of the time.
Designed by... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Designed by... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Florence Food Tour
Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here 鈥� besides the abundant variety 鈥� is not having to spend a lot of money for it.
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In Galileo's Footsteps
Galileo Galilei鈥攂orn in Pisa in 1564鈥攕pent much of his life in and around Florence, where some of the most defining moments of his revolutionary career unfolded. A genius of many talents鈥攑hysicist, mathematician, astronomer, inventor鈥攈e helped usher in the scientific revolution and reshape humanity鈥檚 understanding of the universe. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, became a... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.0 Km or 5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.0 Km or 5 Miles
Duomo Souvenir Shopping
It would be a pity to leave Florence without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. On this self-guided tour, we've compiled a list of shops and markets where you can find something unique to remember your Florentine visit.
Start at Central Market, which is not only a fun and colorful place to visit, but also the best place to stop for a meal.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Start at Central Market, which is not only a fun and colorful place to visit, but also the best place to stop for a meal.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Unique Products to Buy in Florence
Compared to other Italian "grands" like Rome, Venice, or Milan, Florence is relatively less-known to an outsider for any local products, save, perhaps, Florentine mosaics and Fiorentina FC. Fortunately, there are tonnes of locally-originated things that this Italian city is rightfully...
Florence's Tasty Coffee Shop Guide
The caffe scene throughout Italy is an important factor of everyday life. People will pop in to their favorite bar on their way to work for a quick espresso breakfast with a pastry, they鈥檒l grab a slice of pizza for lunch or drop by for an aperitivo before dining out and take a peaceful digestivo...
Top 13 Pubs in Florence
Florence, the city of art and beauty has no problem in mastering the art of the nightlife as well. Local pubs are very popular and appreciated among the Florentines and the tourists. Locals and native English speakers that study or live in the city cannot wait to welcome tourists in their cozy...