While I was writing the novel Fate, I became, through my research, fully aware that Tchaikovsky stayed for a few months in the hills just south of Florence’s Arno river. He resided in a house selected-and-paid-for by his sole benefactress, Nadezhda von Meck who was herself staying just a street or two away during that same time.  Readers of my novel will remember that her Villa Oppenheim was an exquisite gem of a place, located right behind the famous Boboli Gardens.  Readers will also remember that Nadezhda went into her arrangement with the composer under the agreement that they never, ever meet. With that in mind, she chose a place for him to stay that would feel near to her, but far enough away where their daily walks would not converge. 

Let me back up a bit and declare that during the bulk of my research the internet was completely undeveloped and google maps was not even a thing. I had no way of knowing if Nadezhda’s Italian villa still existed, and certainly was unable to determine the address of Tchaikovsky little house.  All I knew was that it happened, as it was described in various letters and diaries available to me.  This forced me to turn to careful deduction when it came to my descriptions and scenes. (It would have so much easier if I had simply known of them, or even been able to visit the spots.)

By sheer luck, I can now see that I wasn’t far off. (Grateful sigh of relief.)  Yes, the internet finally came through and here’s how it happened:  Last month when I was researching sights to see on trip to Florence, I just happened to stumble upon Villa Cora. The moment I saw its location and photo, I knew it was Nadezhda’s Villa Oppenhem! I so pleased that it had not been torn down after some 140 years and was thrilled that someone had lovingly restored it into a hotel. It would certainly be one of my stops; to be inside one of the actual homes belonging to Nadezhda, and one that I had written about — it was a dream come true.  Little did I know that there was even more to discover…

A stone’s throw away, at Via di S. Leonardo 64 in Florence, Italy there’s a plaque pointing out the very same stucco building –just as I had pictured it–  where Pyotr Ilyich stayed during that particular sojourn (chapters 66 through 77 if you’re interested.)  If you are a Tchaikovsky fan and happen to be going to Florence, I highly recommended strolling over to it. On the map below you can see both Villa Oppenheim (now Villa Cora) as well as a red pin showing the composer’s residence. So fun!

All the best, Adin Dalton