Medici Villa of Castello

The Medici Villa of Castello, one of the oldest Medici residencies, was one of the favourite villas of Cosimo I especially for its garden, designed in 1538 by Niccolò Tribolo. Thanks to the plenty of citrus and rare plants in the "Lemon Garden" and to the ancient and Renaissance sculptures, it was judged by Vasari as one of the richest gardens in Europe and the testimony of Leon Battista Alberti tells that it is the example of garden preserved in the best way.Today is home to the Accademia della Crusca was founded in 1585 to promote and preserve the Italian language. The Accademia still conducts research and consultancy work today.