The old castle built on the remains of an ancient Lombard tower, rises on a hill that dominates the Mugello territory. It was transformed into a country residence in 1461 by Michelozzo under commission to Cosimo the Elder de’ Medici. It was also the centre of vast landholdings and therefore had an important farming function. It preserves a precious specimen of hortus conclusus, characterised by extensive terracing and a beautiful arbour that rests on 46 brick pilasters. The inner courtyard has an old well. The villa has hosted illustrious personages like the famous navigator Amerigo Vespucci who sojourned here during the Florence plague of 1476.