Castelletto di Montebenichi

The fortress of Montebenichi, built in the first half of the 13th century, was one of  a range of castles defending the borders of the area around Florence.

 The Castelletto di Montebenichi occupies the keep of the original fortress and owes its present form to the restoration work carried out by Salvadore Malesci from 1901. Subsequent restoration and its transformation into a charming hotel took place in 1997.

Montebenichi is today a tiny hamlet crowning a hill at 525 metres in the Chianti region. In 2017, the hotel activity was discontinued, and four small, fully independent apartments were prepared to accommodate two or three people each. Guests can enjoy the grounds and swimming pool, which offers an extraordinary panorama immersed in absolute tranquillity.

Located halfway between Siena and Arezzo, the Castelletto di Montebenichi is ideally positioned to visit some of the most celebrated artistic sites in Tuscany. In addition to Siena and Arezzo, towns like Cortona and San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino and Monte Oliveto Maggiore are all just a short distance away. Rapolano with its thermal baths can be reached in around a quarter of an hour.

The history of Castelletto di Montebenichi
The fortress of Montebenichi was undoubtedly built in the first half of the 12th century as one of a chain of castles defending the borders of the Florence territory against the expansionist ambitions of Siena. Montebenichi and the Valdambra valley were hotly contested and fought over by rivalling Florence and Siena during several centuries. In 1478, Giovanni della Rovere, Prefect of Rome and nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, besieged the Castle of Brolio during the war against Florence. As a means of procuring provisions, he sacked and pillaged the Montebenichi Fortress, succeeding in conquering it despite the courageous resistance of its inhabitants.

In 1557, the Val d’Ambra valley, along with Montebenichi, became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under the rule of the Medici family. During this period, the overlord of Montebenichi was Gregorio di Benedetto Stendardi, later known as Capitan Goro, a mercenary captain in the service of the Grand Duke. In addition to having distinguished himself in numerous military campaigns, Capitan Goro is remembered above all for the heroism he showed in the Battle of Gavinana in August 1530, when he shielded Francesco Ferrucci with his own body.

Over the course of the following centuries, the fortress was slowly transformed into a series of dwellings for the use of farming families. The patronage of the Stendardi family, descendants of Capitan Goro, over Montebenichi lasted until 1860. With the decline of Siena’s power towards the end of the 16th century, the fortress became less important and gradually evolved into a hamlet.

Facilities and services: holiday accommodation in the Chianti region.

 There are four apartments available, each accommodating two to three people, for a minimum stay of three nights. Each room is equipped with all modern comforts, including a private bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, safe, telephone, DVD player, satellite TV and air conditioning.

The decor is from the owners’ private art collections and adds to the magical atmosphere of the place.

The grounds and swimming pool offer breath-taking views, guaranteeing visitors total peace and quiet.

 Places of interest in the vicinity
Siena, Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino and Monte Oliveto Maggiore.