The gardens of the Villa Gamberaia at Settignano, in the hills above Florence, are a truly wonderful experience. Below are some of my images and words on the visit.
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking magnificence of the scene. You have climbed the hill to Settignano, continued upwards to the Villa Gamberaia, entered the gardens, walked down the drive and arrived at the terrace.
The garden appears to float over the valley of the Arno, to the right is a stunning view containing the jewel that is Florence, city of the Renaissance, the dome of the Duomo is unmistakable. Brunelleschi's famed architecture forever a symbol of the city, which is perfectly framed by a stone pine and a low wall interspersed with sculptures of urns and dogs, constantly on watch.
The design of house and garden in this hilltop setting is a sublime meeting of art, architecture and nature. One feels truly awed at the wonders and perfection before you.
Its beauty is great enough to absorb one almost completely, the terraces, the ponds, the great apse of cut cypresses, the bowling green as you look at it from the grotto toward the south like a great boat sailing through space, the view over the quiet landscape of the Chianti hills and further over domes and towers to the snow-capped Apennines and the Arno glimmering in the plain. For years Gamberaia remained one of the haunts of my life ….
Bernard Berenson, Sunset and Twilight. From the Diaries of 1947-1958, 4-5 March, 1948.
