Palazzo Cervini

The construction of Palazzo Cervini was commissioned by Cardinal Pope Marcello II and the work was completed in 1538. The design and construction was undertaken by Antonio da San Gallo (Junior) who was specialised in the construction of fortified buildings and had been involved in projects for the Vatican. Both Pope Marcello II and Antonio Da Sangallo had what can only be termed as being socialist attitudes and the entire design of the estate reflects this somewhat. There is a notable absence of elaborate features and the facade takes on a reverently humble feel, with the aim of presenting the Pope's living quarters to the local population in an open and friendly style. This approach contrasted dramatically with other Papal homes of the period and indeed with the Vatican, whose objectives up until that time, were to stun and overwhelm society with elaborate features, expensive building materials architectural prowess.

Palazzo Cervini is unique in that sense.

The 16th century Hermitage (or 'Eremo') was established by Pope Marcello II in order to house the humble yet industrious order of hermit monks, known as the 'Camaldolse'. As well as being a quiet order that searched for close contact with nature, they also discovered many medicinal plants from the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

The skills and life philosophy of the Camalsolse monks appear to have been respected by the original Architect Antonio da Sangallo, who established the Hermitage to stand as a testament to the social concept of the Camaldolese and be a reflection of the humble nature of certain facets of the Modernist Catholic movement. Therefore, the structure lacks the elaborate detail and luxurious materials so often used in the construction of Papal dwellings- making the Hermitage amongst the first of its kind in the Renaissance period in Italy.

Then during the 18th century the estate became the industrial heart of the whole of the Val d'Orcia, with 6 water mills making paper, crushing olives and smelting iron tools. The freshwater that ran through the estate, coupled with the intense industrial activity gave rise to the village's name 'Vivo' meaning simply ... 'Alive'