Inspired by the great beauty, the variety, the historic and cultural value, the facilities, and the juicy legends and myths of the castles of Tuscany, we endeavored to put together a list of some of the most interesting examples that the region has to offer. In our final installment in this series, we have two more wonderful castles that we would like to share with you: Girifalco Fortress in Cortona and Vincigliata Castle in Fiesole.
Girifalco Fortress was built by Gabrio Serbelloni, nephew of Pope Pie IV and Francesco Laparelli. The original foundations of the fort were from an Etruscan construction which was later used by the Goths, Lombards, Romans and then re-purposed in the Middle Ages until it was sacked in 1258. It then underwent numerous campaigns of alterations beginning in 1266 and continuing into the 16th century. The current fortress dates back to the second half of the 16th century and was part of a plan for strengthening the defences of the State ordered by Cosimo I de' Medici.
Girifalco Fortress was built by Gabrio Serbelloni, nephew of Pope Pie IV and Francesco Laparelli. The original foundations of the fort were from an Etruscan construction which was later used by the Goths, Lombards, Romans and then re-purposed in the Middle Ages until it was sacked in 1258. It then underwent numerous campaigns of alterations beginning in 1266 and continuing into the 16th century. The current fortress dates back to the second half of the 16th century and was part of a plan for strengthening the defences of the State ordered by Cosimo I de' Medici.
It was both by the Comune of Cortona in 1770 and used for the local police but is today used to house exhibitions and the Centre for Study and Documentation of the Rural Civilization in Valdichiana and around Lake Trasimeno. The highlight, however, is the views offered from the top of the castle. Find a villa with pool in Cortona, climb the tower and take in the incredible scenery.
Vincigliata Castle, located in Fiesole, is first recorded in 1031, when it was property of the Vinsdomini family. After this the castle passed from owner to owner as it was bought, sold, inherited and gambled away and, subsequently, fell into ruin. As a ruin, it became a source of inspiration to several Romantic era writers and artists, including artist Emilio Burci. In 1840, it caught the attention of a young English Lord named John Temple Leader, who instantly fell in love and decided to buy it. The most famous artisans, sculptors, masons, glaziers and painters of Florence were employed to restore the building and a new English-style garden was created. Word of the wonderful job he had done travelled and it quickly attracted many visitors, including Queen Victoria in 1893.
Vincigliata Castle, located in Fiesole, is first recorded in 1031, when it was property of the Vinsdomini family. After this the castle passed from owner to owner as it was bought, sold, inherited and gambled away and, subsequently, fell into ruin. As a ruin, it became a source of inspiration to several Romantic era writers and artists, including artist Emilio Burci. In 1840, it caught the attention of a young English Lord named John Temple Leader, who instantly fell in love and decided to buy it. The most famous artisans, sculptors, masons, glaziers and painters of Florence were employed to restore the building and a new English-style garden was created. Word of the wonderful job he had done travelled and it quickly attracted many visitors, including Queen Victoria in 1893.
Without any heirs to succeed him, however, the castle was left in the hands of his great nephew who sold it off the properties and in the 20th century it was requisitioned by the Italian government during WWII and made a prisoner-of-war camp for distinguished military prisoners. Today it is a venue for events and, particularly, for weddings and it continues to capture hearts. Find a luxury villa in Tuscany nearby and visit this storybook castle for yourself!
While there are many other castles that one could mention all around Tuscany, the eight that we have discussed in these articles are particularly fascinating and eight more reasons to pay a visit to this beautiful region.
While there are many other castles that one could mention all around Tuscany, the eight that we have discussed in these articles are particularly fascinating and eight more reasons to pay a visit to this beautiful region.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
