Continuing this week's theme of spooky Tuscan spots, we have more must-see locations with creepy background stories. Ghostly events and haunted palaces might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the famous Italian region but we can assure you that there are plenty of legends and tales to keep anyone interested in the spookier things in life – who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany – interested. Here more of the spots to pencil in...
5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale
Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.
5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale
Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.
Bianca’s father, Giovanni, found out about their relationship and locked her up to stop them from meeting. When he was called to war and almost died, he was saved and nursed back to help by none other than Uberto. This changed Giovanni's mind and he granted them permission to marry. Sadly, on the day of their wedding, Uberto was brutally murdered on his journey to the castle by members of Bianca’s family who disagreed with the union. Bianca saw it happen from the tower and rushed down to him, tripping and hurting herself badly in her hurry. Legend says she died of a broken heart shortly afterwards. To this day, her ghost, wearing a blood-stained wedding dress, is said to be spotted wandering the castle. If you're interested in romantic ghoulies, finding a luxury villa in Florence and dropping by is a must.
6. Strozzavolpe Castle's Many Ghosts
Strozzavolpe Castle, near Poggibonsi, in the province of Siena, meanwhile, is said to be home to many a ghost. Two among them stand out as the most famous, the first being the ghost of a pest killed by the original castle owner, Bonifacio.
6. Strozzavolpe Castle's Many Ghosts
Strozzavolpe Castle, near Poggibonsi, in the province of Siena, meanwhile, is said to be home to many a ghost. Two among them stand out as the most famous, the first being the ghost of a pest killed by the original castle owner, Bonifacio.
When the castle was being built, a thousand years ago, a large and mysterious fox or wolf-like animal is said to have terrorised the builders and Bonifacio. Annoyed, he killed the creature and buried its body within the foundations and it is said to howl in the night to this day.
The other famous haunting is by the ghost of Cassandra Franceschi, a former lady of the house who was found in bed with the butler and murdered by her furious husband, along with the butler, before being buried somewhere within the castle walls. She is now said to roam around the castle seeking forgiveness from her husband. Find a vacation rental in Siena and see if you can spot her for yourself!
Who knew Tuscany had so many haunted sites? For our last picks among some of the most interesting of these, be sure to read on to the last post in this series and get planning a spooky trip to the region!
The other famous haunting is by the ghost of Cassandra Franceschi, a former lady of the house who was found in bed with the butler and murdered by her furious husband, along with the butler, before being buried somewhere within the castle walls. She is now said to roam around the castle seeking forgiveness from her husband. Find a vacation rental in Siena and see if you can spot her for yourself!
Who knew Tuscany had so many haunted sites? For our last picks among some of the most interesting of these, be sure to read on to the last post in this series and get planning a spooky trip to the region!
Photo credits
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0
