Tuscany’s most beautiful castles are located on the hillsides and add to the beauty of the area. The beauty of Tuscany is endless. This region of Italy is a wonderful place to spend a memorable vacation. It has dreamy landscapes and beautiful cities. The medieval past of Tuscany has left a legacy of stunning castles and fortresses that are well worth a visit.
Castles invoke the image of drawbridges and knights and encourage people to imagine medieval revenge or medieval duels. However, castles can be quite different from what we envision. Sometimes they are simply huge, luxurious buildings. Castles in Tuscany can have both.
Ten best castles of Tuscany Italy
We tried to rank the top 10 Tuscan castles. We also covered the most stunning castles of Lazio and castles from the Campania area. You can find some of the most beautiful castles in Tuscany Italy as well as highlights like the castle of Sammezzano, Reggello Tuscany.
1. Valenzano Castle
Valenzano castle is located in Subbiano near Arezzo. It is believed to have been built during the Lombard dominance, which occurred between the 9th and 10th centuries. Subbiano lords owned the original castle.
At the dawn of the 20th century, a patron was so impressed by Brolio’s castle that he decided to build his castle in perfect neoGothic style. This dream resulted in the castle of Valenzano as we see it today. It is often used as a venue for weddings and events, since it is Tuscany’s most beautiful castle.
2. Vincigliata Castle
Vincigliata Castle is one the most beautiful castles in Tuscany Italy. It dates back to 1030. It was in great decline and was only purchased by John Temple Leader, an English wealthy man. He began the restoration process that lasted approximately 10 years.
The castle was used during the Second World War as a prisoner-of-war camp. The gardens are stunning in addition to their magnificent structure.
3. Fosdinovo Castle
This fortress was built in the middle of the twelfth century. This castle is a classic fairytale castle. It has a quadrangular layout, four rounded towers and walkways over the roofs. There’s also a central courtyard.
Fosdinovo castle features a large entrance hall and a dining area with an 18th century fireplace. There is also a trap room below that houses a torture room. The exterior is impressive due to its towers and bastions. However, the interiors of Fosdinovo castle are elegant stately homes with frescoed rooms.
Fosdinovo is one of the most beautiful castles in Tuscany Italy. It houses a museum and a cultural center for contemporary arts. The Castle hosts workshops, medieval reenactments, Dante’s readings, as well as visits by archaeologists and historians.
4. Poppiano Castle
It’s a beautiful castle in Montespertoli (Chianti region). Poppiano is rich in history and offers many activities for families. Tourists love the rich tradition of wine and good food, as well as its famous vin santo. Built in the year 1000, a castle was constructed. It now belongs to the Guicciardini family.
The defense system of Florence was dependent on the Castle. It was almost destroyed in the famous siege in Florence, 1529. The Castle is located on top of the medieval village. The Castle has a crenelated tower tourists can visit. Inside, there is a historic vinsanteria where Vinsanto Guicciardini wine still being produced.
5. Meleto Castle
The Meleto castle was owned by Benedictine monks. This castle was built in the early 1100s. It is located at the border of Siena, Florence. In the past, the castle was the site of fierce battles between Ghibellines and Guelphs.
It was the location of the Aragonese invasion in Chianti 1478. It was also besieged during World War II. Meleto Castle is another castle in Tuscany Italy that you should visit.
6. Poppi Castle
Poppi Castle can be found in the province of Arezzo, in the municipality Poppi. It was built around 1000 and then renovated in 1274. This castle is also historic because it hosted one of the most important battles between Guelphs & Ghibellines in 1289.
Dante Alighieri was also present at the fight. This battle saw the Guelphs win and Florence regain control of Tuscany. Its shape makes it appear almost suspended in space when viewed from below.
It would be absurd to leave Poppi Castle and not visit the Rilliana library, which houses 25,000 volumes of ancient literature. To reach the castle tower’s belfry, you will need to climb 104 steps. It is worth the effort to walk them. It is worth it to see the clock mechanism, which is quite ancient, and also to take in the views.
7. Sammezzano Castle
The castle of Sammezzano, Reggello Tuscany is known for its unusual and Moorish architecture. It is also a place that is unique for its decoration. The nineteenth-century renovation resulted in an unusual construction in orientalist style.
Today, unfortunately, the castle is closed.
8. Brolio castle
Without a ghost story, what castle would it be? The Castello di Brolio, which has dominated the Chianti’s southern valleys for more than 10 centuries, is also a victim of this phenomenon. According to a local legend, the ghost of Baron Bettino Ricasoli wanders the castle on full moon nights.
Today’s castle is the result of the reconstruction that Bettino Ricasoli commissioned in the 19th century. The castle is still inhabited by the family of its owner.
This castle is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany Italy. It’s a great choice for families who want to visit. There are many options for visitors. The first is the double visit to both the museum and gardens, followed by the guided tours. Brolio4Kids promotes activities for children ages 3-12 years old.
9. Boccale castle
Livorno is home to the Boccale Castle. It is not possible to visit the castle. It dates back to the second-half of the 19th Century, when it was built on top of a Medici tower. Boccale Castle is a stunning castle in Tuscany that you can take romantic photos of.
It was one of many watchtowers that protected coastal areas in a complex defense system. It was responsible for reporting dangers from the sea. Boccale Castle is one of the most stunning castles it!
10. Volpaia Castle
The elegant Volpaia is one of the most beautiful castles in Tuscany Italy. It is a medieval fortified village in Radda, Chianti. The castle’s owner, the Mascheroni Stianti Family, has kept the old traditions. They are committed to the region’s agricultural vocation, which is linked to wine, oil and gardens.
Families with children can enjoy a wonderful world when they visit Volpaia Castle.
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The 10 Best Castles of Tuscany Italy
We’re at the end of this topic. Castles are mysterious and fascinating places . They are the stuff of our dreams and imaginations. There are many places to fantasize about luxurious castles and defensive castles as well as castles that feature scenes of sieges or battles.
