TOURIST INFO
Palazzo Torriani was built at the end of the 16th century in via Fabroni, n. 58, in the historic centre of the village of Marradi, a Municipality in the province of Florence, situated on the Romagna side of the Mugello, 7 km from the boundary with the Province of Ravenna.
Marradi is a small village rich in agricultural activities (it is well-known for its production of very sweet chestnuts), as well as in tourism thanks to its mild, temperate climate. In the past centuries it used to be the residence of noble families who adorned it with buildings of great prestige.
Marradi is the birthplace of the poet Dino Campana, and now the village hosts a very well known international research centre dedicated to the poet. Each year an Italian literary contest is held with a prize awarded in the poet's name.
The construction of the Mansion was started by the Razzi family on top of the remains of a pre-Roman tower. The Razzis soon realized that the undertaking was economically well beyond their means and so they traded homes with the TORRIANI family who had moved down from Milan, after having been banished by the VISCONTI family as a consequence of long and bloody battles. The Torriani family completed the construction in the second half of the 17th century. The Mansion is simple and plain, composed in a typically Tuscan fashion, with three storeys all above ground level. The middle of the façade presents the main entrance characterized by the elegant sandstone coat of arms of the noble and ancient family. Unfortunately, the soft stone appears to be rather weather-beaten.
The Mansion has undergone great wear over the years, and in particular the tragic events of the Second World War with its requisition and consequent devastating occupations by the various armies during the German retreat and the Allied advance. The restoration has been performed by the present-day family heirs. It has lasted over four years, and has finally brought back the Mansion to its original beauty, both in terms of architectural renovation and in terms of the decorative restoration of the frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the main rooms in the villa.
The most important decorations date back to the early 20th century, the work of Galileo Chini, but some
more ancient frescoes have also emerged. In one of the halls a large canvass on the ceiling portraying allegorically a tragic family event is attributed to Silvestro Lega.
Marradi is 65 km from Florence, 85 from Bologna, 70 from Ravenna, 35 from Faenza, the city of ceramics and 35 from the Mugello race track lllll. Spa baths: BRISIGHELLA (km 20), RIOLO TERME (km 35), CASTROCARO TERME(km 45). Airports: Bologna 90 km - Forlì 50 km. For our guests there are 3 flats available, complete with kitchen and two bathrooms, making a total of 10-11 beds, limited to certain periods of the year. Meals and drinks can be provided to the guests only and upon request. Theme based guided tours can be arranged to the following cities: FAENZA, RAVENNA, BOLOGNA.
Near the Mansion there are tennis facilities, a swimming pool less than 1 km away, and two private riding schools.
In case you are considering the possibility of including Marradi, Florence, Ravenna, Faenza, Ferrara... in your itineraries, here are some examples of the guided tours we can provide. The price of the day-trips is provided upon request, depending on the itineraries.
- Ravenna, Brisighella, Faenza, Bologna, Ferrara... - more details
- THE LANDS OF THE MEDICI / 6 hours - minibus tour Convent of Bosco ai Frati. Villa Medicea at Cafaggiolo. Castle of the Trebbio. Park of Villa Demidoff
- WANDERING BETWEEN CHURCHES AND CONVENTS / 6 hours - minibus tour Church of Saint Agatha and sacred art collection. Convent of Bosco ai Frati. Church of Saint Lawrence. Convent of Monte Senario
- RUFINA CHIANTI / 4 hours - minibus tour Museum of the vines and the wine + wine cellar (Rufina) Visit to the cellars of a vineyard/farmstead, with tasting of wines and typical produce
- SCARPERIA, BASTION OF FLORENCE / 4 hours - minibus tour Palazzo dei Vicari e Museo dei Ferri Taglienti The workshop of the knife-maker in Via Solferino Church of the Saints James and Philip* Oratorium of the Madonna di Piazza* Provostry* Oratorium of the Madonna of the Earthquakes Il Torrino (The Turret)*
- THE CHINI WORKSHOP / 3 hours - trip by minibus or train Visit to the Museum of the Chini workshop inside Villa Pecori Giraldi at Borgo San Lorenzo
- ANCIENT FIESOLE / 4 hours - minibus tour Archaeological Area: Roman theatre; Etruscan Temple; Roman Temple; Spa baths; Etruscan walls. Civic Archaeological Museum
- FLORENCE / 6 hours - by train Piazza del Duomo and Piazza S. Giovanni: visit to the Baptistry of St. John and to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Piazza della Repubblica and Orsanmichele*, Piazza della signoria: Palazzo Vecchio* and Loggia dei Lanzi; statue; portico of the Uffizi; view of Ponte Vecchio. Piazza San Firenze. Piazza Santa Croce: visit to the basilica
- MARRADI / 3 hours Via Fabroni (Palazzo Torriani, Vicolo della Torre, Oratorio della Misericordia*, the mansions of Fabroni*). Piazza Scalelle (Palazzo Comunale*, Palazzo Cannone*, Palazzo Fabroni*, Chiesa del Suffragio). Via Fabbrini and Archiroli. Ancient water mill in Via Francini (availability needs to be checked). Vicolo di Casa Vigoli - View of the Monastery of the Most Holy Annunciation. The paintings of the Maestro of Marradi in the Church of Saint Lawrence. Home of Dino Campana*. Theatre of the Animosi
- LA ROCCA DI CASTIGLIONCHIO / 3 hours Historical excursion to the remains of the ancient fortress overlooking Marradi
- HERMITAGES AND ABBEYS AROUND MARRADI / 6 hours Departure from Marradi by minibus. Stop at the Monastery of theBorgo (ex-Abbey of Santa Reparata in Salto). Arrival at the Hermit's Pass. Excursion to the Hermitage of Gamogna. Return from Ponte della Valle (boarding the minibus here). Stop at the Monastery of the Valley* (ex-Monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Acereta). Arrival at Marradi
