Peaceful Arcetri is famous for being the place where one of the world’s greatest astronomers and physicists spent his final years. After being convicted of heresy by the Catholic Church in Rome, Galileo was placed under house arrest and retreated to Arcetri. Visit Arcetri today to walk in his footsteps, tour historical landmarks and enjoy splendid views from landscaped gardens.
A great place to start is at Villa il Gioiello, located along a quiet street. This was the home of Galileo during the last years of his life and where he wrote his acclaimed book Two New Sciences. Look for a bust of the astronomer set in a niche in the villa’s facade and accompanied by a commemorative inscription in Latin. Guided tours by prior appointment offer an insight into Galileo’s life as a scientist, teacher, family man and wine enthusiast.
Those with an interest in astronomy and the solar system can attend stargazing events and workshops at the Arcetri Observatory. Astronomers from Florence inaugurated the observatory in 1872 when light pollution in the city hampered their studies. It houses one of Italy’s largest refractor telescopes and a piano once owned by Albert Einstein. In the garden, contemporary art pieces represent scale models of the planets.
Wander the winding tree-lined streets of Arcetri to find striking works of architecture, such as the Tuscan-style Villa Capponi, and a monument to Italian patriot Daniele Manin. Frescoes by Antonio del Pollaiuolo decorate the walls of Villa la Gallina. Experience the spiritual tranquility of the 11th-century San Leonardo in Arcetri church. Guided tours of the Villa del Poggio Imperiale showcase the history of this neoclassical school building and one-time grand ducal villa.
While in Arcetri be sure to visit the Torre del Gallo, which once formed part of a fortified castle. Views from the garden present magnificent panoramas of Florence and the surrounding countryside.
Public buses travel from central Florence to Arcetri, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. Alternatively, get here on foot by crossing the Arno River, passing through Bardini Gardens and continuing on a meandering cobblestone road.
