In the late 16th century, the gardens of Villa Medici, transformed under Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici, were organized around the celebrated system of the Carrés (historically known as I Quadrati ): sixteen orthogonal compartments structured within a rigorous geometric plan. While the perimeter avenues expressed the language of Medici magnificence, the interior of each Carré supported a highly productive agricultural regime. Archival descriptions confirm the cultivation of vegetables, herbs,