Great Astronomers

Galileo

Florence, Italy (2002) - Galileo's Home in Arcetri

Jeralyn, Ruth, Ken, and I were escorted by Piero Salinari into Galileo's home "Villa il Gioiello" (The Jewel), so named because of its wonderful location overlooking Florence. Galileo lived here under house arrest for about 10 years after his trial with the Inquisition in Rome early in the 17th century. His daughters lived in the Convent of San Matteo, only a short walk from his home. "Galileo's Daughter", a recent book by Dava Sobel, gives lots of details on the area, and reading it was good preparation for the tour.

This is the gate to Galileo's home. The upper part of the building is seen behind the wall.

Piero opening Galileo's door, inside an entryway accessed from the courtyard. Ken is looking on.

The plaque over Galileo's door (seen in the previous photo).

Don at Galileo's door to the street.

Galileo's courtyard; here he had a small garden.

Overlooking the courtyard are various rooms. The small upper room was very warm in the sun, and used to dry fruits.

The courtyard is enclosed by a wall and archway leading to a larger garden area, where Galileo grew fruit trees.

Galileo's living room; Jeralyn, Ken, Piero, and Ruth delighted at the scene. The building is being renovated by the University, so some of the rooms have more original flooring or roof than other rooms. None of the wall plaster is original, but the stone works are original.

Galileo's kitchen sink; the original terra cotta pipes are visible inside the hole.

The location of the Convent of San Matteo, now owned by a monastery.