Comune: | Rignano sull'Arno |
Località: | San Donato in Collina |
Sito internet: | www.villatorreacona.com |
This villa, which was constructed over an earlier medieval tower, was owned until 1848 by the Rinuccini family. It later passed into the hands of the Trivulzio marquises of Milan, who in turn sold it in 1882 to baron Padoa. The building, vast in size, is set on slightly higher ground than the surrounding estate, is connected to the driveway by two terraces that lead down from the double flight of steps. The park, which stretches out to the left-hand side of the villa, retaining its original appearance, was built in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The park is laid out in a characteristic diamond shape, from the centre of which avenues radiate out to the four corners and to the centres of the sides. At these points stand mythological and allegorical statues, designed by Giuseppe Cantini, made of brick and stone and covered in stucco. Two fine examples of Atlantic cedar trees stand proudly in the space in front of the villa. These are the only non-local trees on the estate: the park consists mainly of tall cypresses, holm-oaks and other occasional oak trees.