CASTELLO IL PALAGIO IN SAN CASCIANO VAL DI PESA

Castello il Palagio is an ancient fortress and medieval castle dating back to the 13th century and was the scene of countless battles between Florence and Siena. It is a historical residence immersed in the Chianti countryside, nestled amid vineyards, olive groves and ancient parish churches, located near Mercatale in Val di Pesa in the municipality of San Casciano, just 17 km from Florence.

The magnificent central courtyard and adjacent loggia, under the shadow of the medieval tower, can seat up to 200 people served at the table. The portico can also house an area devoted to music, accommodating live music, DJ sets or a string quartet. The various interior rooms on the ground floor can be used to welcome guests at different times during the reception or event and tastings of local produce can be held here. Some of the rooms on the first floor can also be used for the preparation of the bride and groom and present a beautiful backdrop for taking photographs.

The area around the Castle includes an Italian-style garden, a park with a central fountain that is illuminated at night and a garden tower that offers panoramic views of the glorious Chianti countryside, with centuries-old trees and plants positioned all around the walls. These areas are ideal for all types of private event, whether it be for an aperitif, cutting the cake or hosting a dinner and can accommodate over 300 guests.

THE HISTORY OF CASTELLO IL PALAGIO

Numerous events bear witness to the history of this Castle, which has survived various vicissitudes and incursions over the centuries. The solid base and mighty walls of this stone quadrilateral with its central tower, along with the valour of its defenders, prevented the devastation and destruction that many other similar buildings suffered. The first historical mention of Castello Il Palagio dates back to 1252, but it is believed to be much older. Located on the fortified line that extended from San Casciano to S. Andrea a Fabbrica, Il Palagio played an important role in defending this territory.

In 1260, the militia of the Ghibelline faction invaded the area, destroying nearby Pieve di Campòli. Castello Il Palagio remained unscathed even during Emperor Henry VII’s expedition, which affected most of the Chianti region. A few decades later, the Castle was enlarged and almost doubled in size, reaching much larger dimensions than those we see today, and becoming a true defensive stronghold and a breeding ground for offensive actions. In 1326, the area was subject to raids and destruction by the army of Castruccio Castracane, who stayed in the vicinity at length, also laying waste to the San Casciano area. In 1376, the Buondelmonti troops based at Castello Il Palagio succeeded in blocking the army of John Hawkwood (or Giovanni Acuto, as he was known in Italy) near Campoli. Formerly owned by the Canigiani family, Castello il Palagio was then part of the Florentine Republic for two centuries.

At the end of the 17th century, it was ceded to the Miniati di Dino Barons, an ancient Florentine family, who converted the Castle into a noble Villa, enhancing its appearance and enriching it with works of art. Centuries-old trees were planted around the walls, and the garden gained increasing beauty and grandeur, reaching its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. It then passed by succession to the Goretti Marquises, an ancient family from Casentino, who combined the two surnames, and were henceforth known as the Goretti Miniati Marquises. At the beginning of the 20th century, extensive renovation work on the whole property was undertaken, including the restoration and decoration of the Chapel.

Upon the death of the last owner, the property passed to the ancient patrician Florentine family, second cousins of the Goretti Miniatis. While it still preserves the remains of the ancient structure today, what is most admirable at Castello il Palagio is largely the result of the Neo-Gothic restoration that was carried out by architect Castellucci in the early 20th century. This restoration work also included the extensive agricultural estate, with the construction of the farmhouse, oil mill, new cellars and warehouses where, more than a century later, wine is still produced according to the ancient traditions.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Weddings and private events in Tuscany in the Chianti region.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY

Badia a Passignano, Cantine Antinori, Castello di Gabbiano in the municipality of San Casciano, the Impruneta terracotta kilns, Castello di Vertine, the Castle of Meleto and the Parish Church of Spaltenna in Gaiole, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Romanesque Church of S. Niccolò in the centre of the village, the ancient Franciscan Convent of S. Maria in Prato and the Castle of Volpaia in Radda, the Etruscan tombs of Montecalvario. Maria in Prato and the Castle of Volpaia in Radda, the Etruscan tombs of Montecalvario.

The imposing Rocca that dominates the central square and the suggestive walkway of Via delle Volte, the Church of S. Salvatore with its beautiful late 14th-century fresco and the Archaeological Museum of the Chianti Senese in Castellina in Chianti, the Castle of Panzano, the Church of S. Maria, dating back to 1200.

The Antica Macelleria Cecchini, famous for its excellent Florentine steak, which is cut while reciting the Divine Comedy, the Parish Church of San Leolino, a Romanesque Basilica with a central nave and two side aisles in Panzano dating as far back as 982, the striking square in Greve, the medieval Church of Santa Croce, the Antica Macelleria Falorni offering only traditional Chianti products and the Wine Museum in Greve in Chianti, the Chianti Sculpture Park, immersed in an oak forest between Pieveasciata and Vagliagli, about 10 km north of Siena.

Churches: Santo Stefano in Campoli, Santa Cecilia in Decimo, San Pancrazio in the municipality of San Casciano, S. Andrea in Percussina, Badia a Passignano, the Parish Church of di San Leolino.

Other places to visit nearby: Greve in Chianti, San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Impruneta, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Monteriggioni, Panzano, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole.