Torre Galli
On the via di Scandicci, right on the border of Florence and
behind the hospital complex lies this building dominated by its
ancient tower.
The house was originally the base of the powerful Nerli family
whose possessions extended from Soffiano to Settimo. In 1500 the
building was converted into a villa but its tower was preserved,
which still confers a medieval aspect. In 1603 it was inherited
by Flamminio Ottieri of Siena from his mother's side, Fiammetta
dei Nerli who had obtained it in her dowry. Twenty years later
it was purchased by Matteo Lorenzo Galli. In the second half of
the 19th century it passed to Gentile Farinola.
The villa was successively enriched with paintings, staircases
with handrails in wrought iron, salons with richly decorated ceilings
and fireplaces.
A wonderful house, as Lensi Orlandi describes it, "to
live like nobles". Unfortunately work done on the building
in the previous century did not return the old building to its
original aspect as was the intention of the owners. In its long
history it also served as lodging for occupying forces during
the second World War.
Converted into a farmhouse, it is now in a state of complete
abandon.
(Last updated: Tuesday 26 September 1995)
Copyright © 1995 by Associazione San Giovanni di Dio