One of the oldest Medici villas in the Mugello, Cafaggiolo predates the more celebrated Medici properties around Florence and sits at the root of the family's original territory. Michelozzo transformed a fortified farmhouse into an elegant country residence while keeping the defensive character of the original structure. The moat has long since been drained and the drawbridge replaced, but the crenellated towers survive largely as Michelozzo left them, giving the villa an austere, castle-like silhouette against the surrounding farmland.
The interior is not regularly open to the public, but the exterior and the grounds can be seen from the road. The estate still produces olive oil and wine under the Cafaggiolo name, and the small church of San Giovanni just outside the gates is worth a look — the interior retains some early decoration, and the churchyard is shaded by old trees.
The villa is about four kilometres west of San Piero a Sieve on the road towards Barberino di Mugello. It is easily combined with a visit to the Trebbio Castle, which sits in the same general area and shares the same architectural patron.