:: Medici Villa of Petraia :: Petraia is one of the most attractive of the Medici villas, both on account of its position in the Tuscan landscape, and for its fine pictorial decoration and the beauty of its garden and park. Situated on the outskirts of Florence, it is a typical Tuscan villa where the Grand-ducal family would retire from the city. Originally an ancient fortified residence, which preserves its great tower, it was enlarged at the end of the 16th century to create the present villa with its beautifully designed terraced garden. The courtyard of the villa, which was roofed over in the 19th century, is decorated with frescoes by Volterrano and Cosimo Daddi. The famous bronze statue of Venus/Florence by Giambologna is inside., Information Daily: 8.15 – 17,00 (November – February) 8.15 – 18,00 (March and October) 8.15 – 19,00 (April, May and September) 8.15 – 20,00 (June – August) Closed on the 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christman Day