La grotta della Villa medicea dell'Ambrogiana: la documentazione digitale come strumento di conoscenza e accessibilità

This work presents previously unpublished geometric and metric information about the 'cave' at L'Ambrogiana Medici Villa in Montelupo F.no, close to Florence, Italy. This data was obtained through three-dimensional (3D) survey technology and was cross-referenced with acquired images and graphical archival documentation to contextualise and document the original 'cave'. This cave is the sole artificial structure within the Medici gardens, with direct access from the Arno River. Despite its historical significance, it remains inaccessible and has not been comprehensively studied due to modifications made to the Villa over time. In the latter half of the 19th century, the Villa transformed, first into a mental hospital and subsequently into a judicial psychiatric hospital. This designation was discontinued in June 2017. Unfortunately, the reconfiguration into a judicial psychiatric hospital resulted in inappropriate and degrading use of the building, gardens, and the artificial cave. Consequently, they are currently in a state of severe decay and are now at the heart of a significant national redevelopment project.