Villa Varramista estate are located just outside the small village of Capanne, my family's hometown.
Varramista has a long history that dates back to 1300. The Republic of Florence donated the Varramista estate to Gino di Neri Capponi who led the Florentine army to victory against the city of Pisa in 1406. Gino di Neri Capponi is said to have built the Villa as a solid outpost against the Pisans.
The villa, as it stands today, was completed between 1580 and 1589.
It's fame as the Piaggio's (designers and manufacturers of the legendary Vespa scooter) country residence has grown in recent decades.
Varramista belonged to the Capponi counts from 1406 until 1953, when Dr. Enrico Piaggio, purchased it.
This spectacular estate welcomes you with a striking driveway of oak trees. The current entrance to the Villa whichi dates to 1600; brings you to an Italian style gardens and fountains. The estate produce olive oil and one of the greatest Italian wines I have ever taste made entirely from Syrah grapes.
Inside the Villa's main room, the first exemplar of the 1946 legendary Vespa scooter takes its place.
Just outside the property, my father's uncle was executed by the German Nazis at the end of WWII.
Vanni Leopoldo Salardo was only thirty five years old (about my age today), when he died. He was the one "guilty" of helping the US army, that was coming from the south.
The picture posted, show the commemorative plaque that was given to our family by the mayor in the 56 anniversary of his death.
