The locality where Villa Belvedere stands takes its name from its privileged position offering a breathtaking view of the Pisan Hills. Built on a pre-existing 15th-century mansion owned by the Del Carretto family, the villa was profoundly transformed in the second half of the 18th century by Baron Del Testa, who wanted to build a country residence for hunting.
Interventions also included the construction of new buildings such as the rectory, the oratory, the tavern, the gazebo and the kaffeehaus. It is therefore a real complex that curiously has neither a fence nor a gate, unlike the other villas in the area. The villa, which is accessed by an avenue lined with cypress trees, has two square towers on its sides. The façade is articulated on three levels marked by simple cornices that together with the other elements draw an architectural layout typical of Renaissance Florence. The imposing double-ramp staircase at the side of the main entrance, on the other hand, is reminiscent of Baroque-style stately buildings. The interior has vaulted ceilings, the central hall displays a wonderful pictorial decoration by Tempesti. In the park is a small pavilion with a basin and a marble Venus that was wrongly attributed to Michelangelo. The oratory of 1775, dedicated to Santa Maria and San Ranieri (patron saint of Pisa), has three small naves with stuccoes and paintings also by Tempesti, while the trompe l’oeil decorations are by Tarocchi.
The villa is today private property and cannot be visited.