Villa di Carducci

Among the golden hills of Mugello, in the hamlet of Pilarciano in Vicchio, lies Villa Giarrè Billi, a historic residence that was frequented by the poet Giosuè Carducci between the late 19th century and the early 20th century. Carducci, then in his mature years, regularly stayed with the Giarrè Billi family, drawn by his friendship with the poetess Marianna Giarrè Billi, one of the most refined intellectuals of Mugello. Autumn, with its warm colors and enchanting landscape, was the poet's favorite time to visit this villa, which became a place of inspiration and tranquility. For Carducci, Mugello was not just a bucolic retreat, but a true "second homeland." He extensively explored this valley, visiting historical and picturesque places like Vespignano, Giotto's birthplace, and the residence of Monsignor Giovanni della Casa, author of the Galateo. In 1895, Carducci was appointed president of the committee for the erection of Giotto's statue in the central square of Vicchio. This role, besides strengthening his bond with the territory, showcased his dedication to celebrating Italian cultural excellences. The statue's inauguration in 1901 was the culmination of years of the poet's commitment to Mugello, to which he felt deeply connected. During his stays at the villa, Carducci enjoyed walking through the countryside, conversing with farmers, and immersing himself in the simplicity of rural life, which he perceived as an endless source of human energy. It is said that one autumn night, the Giarrè Billi family found him sitting along the roadside, his gaze fixed on the starry sky. When asked by his hosts about his thoughtful expression, he replied: "I was contemplating this beautiful sky and thinking how ignorant we are to believe it is empty!" Despite mingling with the intellectual and noble elite of Mugello, such as Count Pecori Giraldi or Marquess Viviani della Robbia, Carducci did not hide his preference for ordinary people. He enjoyed conversing with farmers during the grape harvest, finding in them a genuineness that provided him with a unique human charge.

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