In a city steeped in artistic heritage, a piece of history just changed hands — and under the radar, to boot.
Michelangelo’s childhood home, a relic from the Italian Renaissance, quietly transitioned to new owners near Florence, Italy.
While the villa exchanged hands in a hush-hush deal brokered by Building Heritage, the exact sale price remains shrouded in mystery, negotiated down from its initial asking price of around $8.8 million.
Nestled in the upper hills of Settignano, this historic villa witnessed the early years of the artistic genius Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni.
Here, centuries ago, the young prodigy honed his craft, evolving from an eager apprentice to a revered sculptor and painter.
From this very villa emerged timeless masterpieces like the towering marble sculpture of David and the heart-rending Pietà, showcasing Mary’s tender embrace of Jesus post-crucifixion.
Michelangelo, to this day, is still celebrated for his awe-inspiring frescoes adorning the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling in Vatican City.
The villa, a multilevel marvel, sprawls over 9,700 square feet.
Its original structure is still intact, boasting a square internal tower that once served as a lookout point.
Upon stepping onto the covered terrace adorned with charming arched supports and verdant vines, one can’t help but admire the panoramic views of the lush countryside through French doors leading to an expansive balcony above.
The estate isn’t just a home; it’s an ode to heritage.
The grandeur extends outdoors, with a sprawling piazza-like patio, flagstone paths and weathered stonework crafting a picturesque scene.
The grounds span nearly 2.5 acres, featuring manicured lawns, a thriving orchard and a grove of 200 olive trees.
However, one notable absence from the sale was an original Michelangelo work — the Triton or Satyr mural — a piece retained by the sellers, as confirmed by a press release from the real estate company.