Histrory
Right in the heart of Pesaro, surrounded by the city park, stands Villa Miralfiore, a stunning historic home with centuries of fascinating stories. Over the years, it has been owned by some of Italy's most important families. The Malatesta family turned it into their vacation spot around 1438, followed by the Sforza in 1445. Later, the Della Rovere family expanded and beautified the villa, making it a true Renaissance masterpiece. Its splendor continued under the Medici and Albani families until, in 1992, the villa was passed to the Livi family, who take care of it today. One of Villa Miralfiore's most amazing features is its Italian-style gardens, a perfect example of Renaissance landscape design.
Created in the 1500s during the rule of Guidobaldo II della Rovere and redesigned by architects Genga and Terzi, the gardens are all about elegance and symmetry. Neatly trimmed box hedges form geometric patterns around the grand ''fountain garden.'' Once, there was even a pergola here, though it's now gone. These gardens used fountains, statues, and water features to show off the wealth and creativity of their time. Amazingly, they've kept most of their original design, making them one of the most beautiful historic gardens in the Marche region.
Exploring Villa Miralfiore is like stepping into another world. You'll find ancient trees like a massive ginkgo biloba and a rare cork oak, alongside fountains, the charming Albani chapel, greenhouses, and an orangery. Inside the villa, stunning frescoes painted by the Zuccari brothers in 1560 decorate the walls, celebrating the great achievements of the Della Rovere family. But Villa Miralfiore isn't just about the past.
Today, it also houses a museum showcasing modern glass art by world-famous artists like Arnaldo Pomodoro, Philippe Starck, and Danny Lane. It's a unique mix of Renaissance vibes and contemporary elegance, offering a little something for everyone.
