There are countless treasures tucked away in Florence, but few are as mysterious—and exclusive—as Villa Salviati. Nestled along the road that bears its name, this stunning villa remains closed to the public for most of the year. But once annually, for just one day during Europe Day celebrations, its gates open wide to reveal something truly extraordinary.
As I was slowly making my way home along Via Bolognese, caught in yet another line of traffic (I assumed, as usual, some “incidente”), I noticed something unusual. People were walking along the roadside, and cars were parked wherever they could fit (a classic Italian move). I drive past Villa Salviati every day—those massive, locked gates always sealed shut. But today… they were wide open. Curious visitors were wandering in. I didn’t hesitate. I pulled over in true Italian fashion, parked the car creatively, and followed the crowd inside.
And what a discovery it was.
The villa’s roots go back to 1445, when Alamanno Salviati acquired the land, which then housed the Montegonzi Castle. The family transformed the castle into a stately villa, surrounded by vast gardens and woods. During World War II, the estate served as an Allied command post, then fell into semi-abandonment until it was purchased by the Italian government in 2000. After an extensive restoration completed in 2009, it became the Historical Archives of the European Union, under the care of the European University Institute.
The architecture is stunning: lace-like towers frame the central building, which is arranged around a serene courtyard lined with pietra serena stone columns. In front lies a beautifully manicured Italian garden with three terraced levels, and beyond that, an expansive English-style park with bamboo groves, small lakes, fountains, temples, grottos, and statues.
The main grotto is a true showstopper—an almost mythical space made of three chambers, decorated with limestone formations, shells, stones, and frescoes that transform the ceiling into a surreal, watery dreamscape.
Visiting this hidden Florence villa feels like stepping into a parallel world, far from the crowds of the Uffizi or the Duomo. It’s peaceful, grand, and steeped in history—yet only a handful of people ever get to see it. The estate is typically open to the public just one Saturday in May, around Europe Day (May 9), with free guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural events.
If you’re planning a spring trip to Florence, mark your calendar and keep an eye out for announcements. One magical day a year, Villa Salviati opens its gates—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.