ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the author's encounter concerning the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and a remarkable villa, known as the Pratolino, of the same duke, then with other things which the author saw in Florence, and finally discusses the author's journey all the way to Rome. The Pratolino is regarded as superior to the other places dedicated to enjoyment in its delights, its artistry, and its amenities of all kinds. The villa is on a pleasing site, one league from Florence, and possesses in great abundance everything to delight the senses. It has, to begin with, two palaces, one standing in a higher place, the other in a lower, the first designated mainly as comfortable accommodation for guests, the second built mainly for various delights and pleasures of the body. The Pratolino Villa and gardens, built between 1568 and 1586 by Francesco for his mistress and future wife, Bianca, and designed by Bernardo Buontalenti, were demolished in the early 19th century.
