Best villas in Italy for art lovers

At Bookings For You, we have always prided ourselves on having the perfect property whatever your budget, tastes or interests. Italy appeals to holidaymakers for so many reasons – its delicious regional cuisine, its fascinating and far-reaching history, its incredible art and architecture – and we always aim to ensure that the portfolio of villas in Italy that Bookings For You offers reflects this same diversity. This selection of villas in Italy is perfect for art lovers, whether that’s because of their location or their decor.

Antica Dimora, Tuscany

The town of Anghiari in Tuscany has a rich and rather fascinating history and the valley below it was the setting for the famous Battle of Anghiari in June 1440 between the Florentine and Milanese troops. The Florentines commissioned Leornardo da Vinci to capture the events which he did in his famous fresco, predictably named The Battle of Anghiari. It’s because of this painting that we have chosen Antica Dimora in this list of villas in Italy for art lovers.

Leonardo’s work was subsequently displayed in the Salone dei Cinquecento in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence but has since been lost, giving the painting the rather affectionate name of The Lost Leonardo. We think it’s rather poignant to see the site of the battle that inspired the painting which many now believe to be hidden beneath later frescoes in the Salone. Incidentally, you could complete your understanding of one of the most famous works of the Italian Renaissance by admiring the copy of the artwork that is by Peter Paul Rubens and which is in The Louvre in Paris.

Villa di Corsano, Tuscany

Villa di Corsano is an incredibly historic ten bedroom 18th century Tuscany villa. Wonderfully preserved frescoes, antiques and artworks within the house make this the perfect villa in Italy for art lovers. Two rooms are of particular note for art enthusiasts. The first is the elegant drawing room whose vaulted ceilings and walls are covered with the most incredible trompe l’oeuil paintings of exotic birds, flowers and plants. Second is our favourite bedroom whose ceiling is adorned with frescoes representing the Cantico delle Creature, painted by Dario Neri, an Italian artist who was born in 1895.