History
The site was originally occupied by a casino owned by the Hordinghetti family, later sold to the Corboli, and eventually acquired by the Medici. The current palace was constructed around 1587, possibly designed by Bernardo Buontalenti, over an existing structure. [1]
In the 19th century, Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, converted the villa into a mental asylum. Later, in 1886, it was repurposed as a jail for women and minors, and subsequently became a facility for those deemed mentally ill.
During the 17th century, the villa and its grounds were used by Francesco Redi for anatomical studies on leprosy. Meanwhile, Andrea Scacciati and Bartolomeo Bimbi created paintings of flora and fauna for Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici.
Although the villa remained a psychiatric institution for many years, guided visits were permitted in certain areas. The last patient left the Montelupo Fiorentino facility in early February 2017, marking the site's transition. Shortly after, the complex was returned to the Ministry of Grace and Justice under the State Property Agency.
In 2017, a public tender was announced to develop a conservation guide for the site, with the project awarded to Copculture and P&M Architecture. [2]
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