Tower in Tuscany: Or a Home for My Writers and Other Animals

Santa Maddalena is a hidden garden in Florence where writers can refine their skills and connect with others who share their interests. The villa, its owners, and the resident pets have inspired many creative works. Monti della Corte and her late husband, Gregor von Rezzori, transformed the ruin into a retreat where they could write, garden, and entertain friends and fellow artists. This combination of hospitality and creativity became the Santa Maddalena Foundation and writers' fellowship program in 2000.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2021
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Nestled amidst the enchanting hills above Florence, Santa Maddalena emerges as a hidden paradise, a sanctuary where writers find solace and forge connections with kindred spirits. Accompanied by evocative imagery, these essays penned by 27 acclaimed authors beckon readers to delve into the profound influence that this restored villa, its benevolent owners, and the cherished resident pets have had on the realm of creative writing and artistic expression. The story begins with Monti della Corte and her late husband, Gregor von Rezzori, who transformed a dilapidated ruin into an unparalleled retreat. Here, they indulged in the joys of writing, gardening, and hosting friends and fellow artists of renown, including Pedro Almodovar, Bernardo Bertolucci, David Hockney, and Isabella Rossellini. This harmonious fusion of hospitality and creativity gave birth to the Santa Maddalena Foundation, a literary and artistic fellowship program, in the year 2000. Within the confines of this enchanting sanctuary, writers are invited to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, allowing their creativity to flourish and their spirits to soar. The villa's historic charm and serene ambiance provide a perfect backdrop for introspection and inspiration, fostering a community of artists and intellectuals who come together to explore the boundless possibilities of the written word and visual art. Through the lens of these captivating essays, readers are granted a privileged glimpse into the profound impact that Santa Maddalena has had on the creative lives of its residents and visitors alike. The foundation's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting artistic excellence serves as a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and the transformative potential of a nurturing environment.

Weight: 1380g
Dimension: 286 x 270 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847870103