Casa di Benvenuto Cellini
FotoIn the heart of Mugello lies the Birthplace of Benvenuto Cellini, a residence rich in history and charm. Located within the medieval walls of Vicchio, built by the Florentines in 1324, the house stands as a landmark for those seeking to rediscover the origins of one of the most extraordinary artists of the Renaissance. Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571), sculptor, goldsmith, and writer, is renowned for iconic works such as Perseus with the Head of Medusa, which dominates the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, and the exquisite Salt Cellar of Francis I, a symbol of Renaissance goldsmithing excellence. His autobiography, the "Life," provides a lively and sincere portrait of his adventurous character and intense life, including episodes related to his relationship with Mugello and Vicchio in particular. In his "Life," Cellini mentions the purchase of a house and a farm in Vicchio, emphasizing his connection to this village immersed in the beauty of the Mugello landscape. However, his stay was not without adventures. During a dinner hosted by Pier Maria d'Anterigoli, known as "Sbietta," Cellini fell victim to an attempted poisoning. The food served to him caused such a severe poisoning that the artist had to recover for an entire year. This episode, narrated in his vivid and dramatic style, adds an intriguing touch to his bond with Vicchio, a place that, despite the challenges, remained in his heart. The house, now completely restored, preserves traces of the past and provides a space for reflecting on Cellini's legacy. The rooms currently host exhibitions of artistic and artisanal objects, in line with the creative vocation of the artist. There are plans to create a professional training course dedicated to goldsmithing and the processing of precious metals, a tribute to the mastery that made Cellini famous worldwide. Benvenuto Cellini was not only a master of art but also a man of indomitable character, capable of captivating the most prestigious courts of Europe with his talent. In addition to his skills as a goldsmith and sculptor, Cellini was a skilled storyteller, able to turn his life into an epic adventure through his autobiography, which is now one of the most read and studied texts of the Renaissance. In his pages dedicated to Vicchio, the artist describes the places, characters, and daily life of the time with an intensity that captures the charm of sixteenth-century Mugello. Between 1559 and 1571, Cellini often stayed in these places, finding inspiration in nature and in contact with the local people. Cellini's presence in Vicchio intertwines with that of other great artists from Mugello such as Giotto and Beato Angelico, creating a common thread that connects the territory to the highest expressions of art. Vicchio and Mugello are not only the cradle of extraordinary talents but also places that celebrate art and culture as an integral part of their historical identity.
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Reachable via the following routes

Route 4
Mugello in Literature
From Dante to Dino Campana, passing through Carducci, through centuries of great writers

Route 7
The Mugello of the great painters
Giotto, Beato Angelico, Andrea del Castagno, Annigoni and the landscapes that inspired them