Villa Medici

This striking Renaissance palace has been home to the French Academy since the early 19th century. It was built for Cardinal Ricci da Montepulciano in 1540, but Ferdinando dei Medici bought it in 1576 and it remained in Medici hands until Napoleon acquired it in 1801 and gave it to the French Academy. Its most famous resident was Galileo, who was imprisoned here between 1630 and 1633 during his trial for heresy. These days, the only way to get inside is to visit one of the regular art exhibitions or take a guided tour of the finely landscaped gardens (adult/concession €8/6; guided tours in Italian & French Wed, Sat & Sun).