Petraia is one of the most attractive of the Medici villas, both on account of its position in the Tuscan landscape, and for its fine pictorial decoration and the beauty of its garden and park.
Situated on the outskirts of Florence, it is a typical Tuscan villa where the Grand-ducal family would retire from the city.
Originally an ancient fortified residence, which preserves its great tower, it was enlarged at the end of the 16th century to create the present villa with its beautifully designed terraced garden.
The courtyard of the villa, which was roofed over in the 19th century, is decorated with frescoes by Volterrano and Cosimo Daddi. The famous bronze statue of Venus/Florence by Giambologna, which originally stood above the fountain in the garden of the Medici Villa of Castello, is now exhibited inside.

Address
	Via della Petraia 40, Località Castello, 50141 Firenze.
GETTING THERE How to get there
		By plane to Florence Amerigo Vespucci airport, by shuttle bus VOLA IN BUS to the station of Santa Maria Novella.
		Autostrada A1, exit Firenze Nord, follow direction for Sesto Fiorentino.
		To the station of Santa Maria Novella. Local trains from Florence in direction of Bologna, station of Castello.
		From the station of Santa Maria Novella buses 2 and 28
		View the map
Opening hours
	Daily: 8.15 – 17,00 (November – February) 8.15 – 18,00 (March and October) 8.15 – 19,00 (April, May and September) 8.15 – 20,00 (June – August) Closed on the 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christman Day
Tickets
	Full price € 2 Reduced € 1 Free admission Valid also for the Garden of the Medici villa of Castello
Bookings
	Firenze Musei, Tel:055 294883 Booking charge: € 3 per person.
Disabled persons
	The garden is not easily accessible to persons in wheelchairs. Staff will provide assistance to reach the Villa. (Tel:+39 055452691)
Schools
	Free entry. Booking is compulsory but there is no charge (Tel: +39 055290112) A list of the students and teachers on headed note-paper must be handed in at the entrance. If a guide is required, arrangements can be made with Firenze Musei when booking the visit. Charge: € 3 per student.
FACILITIES Education Service
	The Education Service is in Florence in the Uffizi building. Entrance from Via della Ninna, no.5. This office coordinates special programmes, workshops and guided tours for Italian schools and for adults (Tel: +39 055284272) Education office
CONTACT How to contact the Garden
	Tel: +39 055452691 Tel: +39 0552388722 Fax: +39 0552388699
Staff
	Isabella Lapi Ballerini Director