The 55-acre estate was bequeathed to the University by Sir Harold Acton, a distinguished patron of the arts. A magnificent Renaissance estate with five villas, La Pietra houses a notable Early Renaissance art collection, and its grounds feature one of the most beautiful and authentically restored Renaissance gardens in Italy. Students are lodged at Villa Natalia, which also hosts a computer room.
Some students stay in private apartments or in Italian households.
There may be no better place in Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, to study art, language, literature, and history than La Pietra. Courses include intensive study of Italian at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, fine arts, contemporary culture, and literature. In this atmosphere of unparalleled beauty, learning is personal, meaningful, and enduring. Additional courses in various disciplines are also offered. Students can study at NYU in Florence for the fall or spring semester as well as for the full academic year.