Villa di Poggio Reale

The first structure of Villa Poggio Reale dates back to the 16th century and it was commissioned by the Mormorai family from Florence. It underwent various changes of ownership along with significant conversion and extension works. In the period preceding the Second World War, it became the property of an important family of wine producers, the Spalletti family in 1936, until it was bought by the Municipality of Rufina. The Villa consists of a central body structured on four levels: the basement that includes the kitchen, the cellars – restored and used as a wine bar – and the fermentation room – today occupied by the Vine and Wine Museum; the ground floor, where there is a huge hall overlooked by four rooms; the first floor that is made up of seven rooms and finally the attic. A 19th century noble chapel, the guestrooms and lemon-house are outside. The Villa is surrounded by a large park open to the public that includes a forest called Ragnaia with evergreen plants, mainly holm oaks, a plot of vineyards and vegetable gardens and a children playground. The Villa can be accessed through a beautiful cypress-lined avenue which starts from the avenue called Viale Duca della Vittoria; it can also be accessed from two minor entrances.