When one thinks of castles in Tuscany, the great urban palaces of the Medici tend to spring to mind. However, in reality, there are many more examples and a great deal of variety all across the region that are just waiting to be discovered.
Sarteano, for example, is a stunning Tuscan town that has long been a bit of a hidden gem and is very distinctive; a lush and green place with a medieval core and topped by its famous giant castle. The castle is the main highlight and dates to the twelfth or thirteenth century. It is surrounded by a double circle of walls enclosing an imposing square keep with round towers at the sides and is a bold and striking building in a perfectly strategic location. Bought by the city of Sarteano in 1998, it was opened to the public in 2006, after a long series of restoration works. Inside, you can explore the service rooms necessary for a castle to function, head to the ramparts for stunning views across the surrounding landscape, wander the courtyards and uncover secret passageways and outside you'll find the pretty park that the complex is located on. Just find a holiday rental in Sarteano and you can begin exploring this fascinating building.
Sarteano, for example, is a stunning Tuscan town that has long been a bit of a hidden gem and is very distinctive; a lush and green place with a medieval core and topped by its famous giant castle. The castle is the main highlight and dates to the twelfth or thirteenth century. It is surrounded by a double circle of walls enclosing an imposing square keep with round towers at the sides and is a bold and striking building in a perfectly strategic location. Bought by the city of Sarteano in 1998, it was opened to the public in 2006, after a long series of restoration works. Inside, you can explore the service rooms necessary for a castle to function, head to the ramparts for stunning views across the surrounding landscape, wander the courtyards and uncover secret passageways and outside you'll find the pretty park that the complex is located on. Just find a holiday rental in Sarteano and you can begin exploring this fascinating building.
Another pretty example of a Tuscan castle is the Castello di Brolio in the southern Chianti countryside, located on top of an isolated hill a few kilometers from Gaiole. The castle has been property of the Ricasoli family since 1141 and was given its Gothic Revival makeover by one Bettino Ricasoli in the 1800s.
In addition to the very pretty castle, you will also find yourself charmed by the Renaissance gardens with typical geometric shaped bushes, the English woods and the amazing panoramic views over the Chianti region – on a good day, you can see all the way to Siena.The castle is actually still home to the current Ricasoli baron and his family but you can visit some parts of the building: the Chapel of San Jacopo and the crypt with the family tombs; the small museum that houses the Ricasoli collection of weapons, documents and personal belongings and Bettino Ricasoli's fossil and mineral collection; the gardens; and the vineyard.
In addition to the very pretty castle, you will also find yourself charmed by the Renaissance gardens with typical geometric shaped bushes, the English woods and the amazing panoramic views over the Chianti region – on a good day, you can see all the way to Siena.The castle is actually still home to the current Ricasoli baron and his family but you can visit some parts of the building: the Chapel of San Jacopo and the crypt with the family tombs; the small museum that houses the Ricasoli collection of weapons, documents and personal belongings and Bettino Ricasoli's fossil and mineral collection; the gardens; and the vineyard.
The vineyard is a highlight as it is a huge Chianti Classico-producing estate and the oldest winery in Italy. The estate is also home to a nice agriturismo that boasts a pool overlooking the Sangiovese vineyards and a cosy restaurant where you can sample regional dishes prepared with their own organic ingredients.
Furthermore, the castle also is said to be a hotspot for ghosts such as that of Bettino, who has been spotted walking the grounds and out riding on a white horse with a pack of hunting dogs. With so much to see and do, this is definitely one of the best attractions to visit while you stay in Tuscany! Just find a villa with a pool in Chianti and pay a visit to the stunning castle and its surroundings.
These are just two of the beautiful and fascinating castles that can be found in Tuscany. Read on to our next article and find more – maybe you might even do a tour of these amazing buildings!
Furthermore, the castle also is said to be a hotspot for ghosts such as that of Bettino, who has been spotted walking the grounds and out riding on a white horse with a pack of hunting dogs. With so much to see and do, this is definitely one of the best attractions to visit while you stay in Tuscany! Just find a villa with a pool in Chianti and pay a visit to the stunning castle and its surroundings.
These are just two of the beautiful and fascinating castles that can be found in Tuscany. Read on to our next article and find more – maybe you might even do a tour of these amazing buildings!
Photo credits
Picture 1: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Thomas Hawk / CC BY-SA 2.0
Picture 1: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Thomas Hawk / CC BY-SA 2.0