The Villa Medici of La Petraia is located in the mountainous area of ​​Castello, in Petraia, 40 km from Florence.

It is considered one of the most beautiful and famous Medici villas, situated in a panoramic position overlooking the city of Florence. The gardens are divided into three levels, taking advantage of the hill's irregular slope.

The park's design is by Peter Leopold II, who in 1818 wanted to unite the two estates, Castello and Petraia.

The architect Joseph Frietsch, in 1829, was the one who put Peter L.II's idea into action. The project was based on the creation of a connecting road between the two houses, from which paths and lanes lead up the hill.

The vegetation is dominated by evergreen and coniferous trees: oaks and cypresses, including specimens of Maná red oaks and many varieties of pine. The park is frequented by migratory birds that use it as a resting place. Since 2003, it has been a wildlife refuge.