Guicciardini Strozzi

About

The business boasts over 1000 years of activity, with the earliest testimony to Cusona's existence dating back to 994 AD. The Cusona Estate spreads over 530 hectares and is situated among the green Tuscan hills, close to the medieval town of San Gimignano. Throughout the centuries, the political and economic weight of the Strozzi and Guicciardini families, with their illustrious figures, has influenced the history, not only of Tuscany, but also of Italy and Europe. Francesco Guicciardini, for whom Niccolo' Machiavelli started his political career as secretary, became a prominent political figure, acting as Governor of the Papal States as well as being a philosopher and historian. The Strozzi were powerful bankers, heads of State and mercenary commanders. Amongst the illustrious ancestors a special mention should be given to Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, otherwise known as "La Gioconda", painted by Leornado da Vinci. The current members of the family are the 15th generation.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes