The Fattoria di Celle, or Celle Farm, located just 5km from Pistoia is a stunning attraction and fascinating place. While the property has roots to a building from as far back as 1000 AD, the house was built in the 17th century and present form of the gardens is owed to 19th century reconstructions and were further enhanced in the 1980s. It is this enriching of the gardens, with a sculpture park, that draws crowds of art-lovers, schools and more adventurous tourists to this place each year.
The sculpture park showcases 70 site-specific installations sprinkled across the vast family estate and was created by local businessman Giuliano Gori over three decades ago, yet still displays cutting-edge art installations by the world's top contemporary artists. Selected international artists have been to be invited to create installations in the remarkable outdoor spaces of the Romantic park and farmland as well as inside the historic villa and various farm buildings.
The sculpture park showcases 70 site-specific installations sprinkled across the vast family estate and was created by local businessman Giuliano Gori over three decades ago, yet still displays cutting-edge art installations by the world's top contemporary artists. Selected international artists have been to be invited to create installations in the remarkable outdoor spaces of the Romantic park and farmland as well as inside the historic villa and various farm buildings.
Documents indicate that a structure already existed on the site in the year 1000 but the Villa Celle, as it stands today, was built in the late seventeenth century by Cardinal Carlo Agostino Fabroni from Pistoia. In the 1800s, the property was acquired by the Caselli family who commissioned local architect Giovanni Gambini to create a 20 hectare English-style park behind the villa. This Romantic park included a number of nineteenth-century follies such as the Aviary designed by the poet/architect Bartolomeo Sestini, the Tea House, the Egyptian Monument, and the two lakes with their bridges, crags and thundering waterfall.
By the end of the 1950s, the Gori family found their ever-growing art collection in need of a new home and, in 1970, the collection was moved to the Celle farm, the Gori family's new residence. The vast spaces and unique nature of the new property inspired Mr. Gori to embark on a new project of commissioning site-specific works for the land.
By the end of the 1950s, the Gori family found their ever-growing art collection in need of a new home and, in 1970, the collection was moved to the Celle farm, the Gori family's new residence. The vast spaces and unique nature of the new property inspired Mr. Gori to embark on a new project of commissioning site-specific works for the land.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Fattoria di Celle also promotes temporary projects and exhibitions that are usually hosted in the restored farm buildings known as Casa Peppe and Cascina Terrarossa. A sculpture theater established by Beverly Pepper in 1992, meanwhile, serves as a space for summer events featuring dance, music, theater and performance. The property is privately owned and visits require reservation via email at least 30 days in advance. Once you have secured a visit, you will be given the opportunity to explore the amazing collection and estate on a guided hike around the premises.
To visit this extraordinary hidden gem in Tuscany, visit their website for details and find a holiday rental in Tuscany.
To visit this extraordinary hidden gem in Tuscany, visit their website for details and find a holiday rental in Tuscany.
Photo credits
picture 2: Vanni Bassetti / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 2: Vanni Bassetti / CC BY-SA 2.0;
