Dimora Ghirlandaio is situated in the ancient estate of the Podere Grande di Colle Ramole, in the Florentine hills. Historical home of the Ghirlandaios, a family of painters, it still preserves works and buildings that bear witness to its illustrious past. As well as the Renaissance villa and its Italian-style garden, all the other buildings of the ancient home have also been carefully restored by the Cecchi family, respecting their original style. Thanks to this renovation, the entire hamlet, including the Chapel of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary painted by Ridolfo Ghirlandaio, has been brought back to its ancient splendor. Today the villas in the hamlet are available for rent for those who desire to experience a truly authentic Tuscan stay in the heart of a Renaissance setting.
Dimora Ghirlandaio
from the Renaissance to the Present:
1433 → 1482 Maria di Bartolomeo Giambello
1482 → 1494 Domenico Ghirlandaio
1494 → 1562 Ridolfo Ghirlandaio
1696 → 1881 Marchesi Pannocchieschi d’Elci
1881 → 2010 Agostini Family
2010 → present Cecchi Family
The Founding of Dimora Ghirlandaio: 1433 – 1482
The history of the Podere di Colle Ramole goes back many centuries. The first news of this estate dates back to 1433, when it belonged to Maria di Bartolomeo Giambello. The goldsmith Tommaso Bigordi, father of Domenico Ghirlandaio, came into possession of the estate when he married Giambello’s daughter, Antonia. Known by the name “Ghirlandaio” for his renown skill in creating garlands (ghirlande) for the hairdos of the Florentine ladies, Tommaso handed the famous nickname down to his son. When his father died, Domenico inherited the Podere, which became his countryside Home (dimora), the spot where he, one of the most important Renaissance painters, found his inspiration.
The “Ghirlandaio” Family Years: 1482-1562
In the years when Colle Ramole belonged to the Ghirlandaio family, the estate increased in land and buildings: from the magnificent expanses of vineyards and silver-leafed olive groves to the kiln where Domenico and his brother David’s mosaic tiles were fired. Illustrious guests and other famous artists – from Michelangelo Buonarroti to Giorgio Vasari – stayed at the residence, discussing art and enjoying its extraordinary setting. Here some of the works that today make Florence the most important Art City in Italy were conceived. When Ridolfo Ghirlandaio inherited it from his father, the estate continued to flourish, as did the name of the family who had obtained the favor of the Medici. To honor his father and his uncles, David and Benedetto, Ridolfo depicted them in the frescos in the small private chapel, known as the Cappella Ghirlandaio, which has now been restored and is once again open to visits.
From the Marquises Pannocchieschi d'Elci to a New Renaissance.
After the Ghirlandaios, the Dimora belonged to a series of Florentine families. At the end of the Seventeenth century, the Colle Ramole estate was purchased by the Marquises Pannocchieschi d’Elci, the noble family to whom belonged the husband of Pia dei Tolomei, encountered by Dante in the Divine Comedy. In 1881, the Dimora was sold to the Agostini family, who held it until the Cecchi family acquired it in 2010 and carried out an important restoration of the entire property. Today the Dimora has returned to a new splendor.
The Cappella Ghirlandaio and the Restored Works
The Chapel of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built inside the Dimora in the Sixteenth century. Ridolfo Ghirlandaio chose to decorate it with frescos that paid homage to his father Domenico, as well as to himself and his descendants. At the time of its painting, Ridolfo was at the height of his career as an artist. On the wall above the altar you will be able to admire a fresco of the Madonna and Child enthroned and flanked by the saints Domenico and Benedetto. A tondo on the left-hand wall depicts the artist’s father, Domenico, as well as the artist himself and his son. A third fresco depicts his wife, Contessina, and two of their children. In the chapel you will also find the tombs of the noble Pannocchieschi d’Elci family.
Where is the Cappella Ghirlandaio?
The Cappella Ghirlandaio is an integral part of Dimora Ghirlandaio, as it was destined for the private use of the family by the same name. During your stay, you will be able to admire its precious collection of frescos by Ridolfo Ghirlandaio and its recently restored structure.
Are these the original artworks?
Yes, the works preserved inside the Chapel are the frescos painted by Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.
Who can visit the Chapel?
The Chapel is private and may be accessed by the guests of Dimora Ghirlandaio. To share this important treasure with the public, it may also be visited upon advance reservation.
Are the buildings of Dimora Ghirlandaio the same as in the Renaissance?
The buildings in Colle Ramole were restored by the present owners to salvage them from the state of neglect into which they had fallen. To respect their original appearance, artisans and workers specialized in the style typical of the Tuscan countryside were hired. Where this was possible, the structures were rebuilt based on the original edifices. Furthermore, they have been equipped with every modern comfort to enhance our guests’ stay at the Dimora.
