Medieval Castles And Historical Villas In Tuscany

Tuscany is one of Italy's most famous regions. The region is well known for its fine art, gastronomy, awe-inspiring countryside, museums and Cathedrals across the globe. It has been the birthplace and home to many of the worlds great artists and minds over the years and this is clearly seen all around the area.

Tuscany also strongly represents the medieval era. All across the region you can admire a lot of exceptional castles, fortresses, watch-towers and town walls. Some are just ruins now but others are well preserved and some have even been made into charming and exclusive hotels or apartments. These venues are the perfect mix of modern comfort and medieval beauty.

During the Middle Ages a massive number of castles were built as defensive fortifications and used as residences by noble families. All castles enjoy strategic locations on top of hills and have breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning Tuscan countryside.

Staying at one of these medieval castles will take you back in time to the atmosphere of the middle ages and give you a unique and memorable experience. The peaceful and enchanted environment of these castles with their picturesque courtyards and beautiful gardens make them ideal for a relaxing holiday.

Although they make the perfect accommodation for a memorable stay, you can of course visit the castles and admire the medieval ruins as part of your tourist itinerary. A few worth checking out are:

Florence

Admire the S.Niccolò gate, located on the bank of the Arno river. A tower from which the walls once continued. This gate is the only one preserved at its original height. In fact this became one of the most formidable city walls of medieval Europe.

Montalto

Montalto Castle near Siena lies in one of the most unspoiled parts of the Chianti area of Tuscany. Although the date of its construction is uncertain it is suspected to be as early as the 7th or 8th century. In the 19th century extensive restoration took place and the defensive walls were rebuilt, the watch-tower restored and a new gate tower was built to give entrance to the courtyard.

Acciaiolo

Acciaiolo castle, in the centre of Scandicci, on the outskirts of Florence has the appearance of a 'real' castle with a rectangular walled enclosure, battlements and two huge towers that defend the two gates.

Castelnuovo

Positioned at the entrance of the Casentino Valley about 10 kilometres away from Arezzo, the castle rises above the inhabited area of Castelnuovo di Subbiano and is considered the most important and meaningful testimony of a fortified installation in the area. The structure is characterized by a high and thick square tower crowned by a machicolation and surrounded by a rectangular enclosure.

If you want un unforgettable holiday in Tuscany be sure to visit some of these beautiful medieval castles.

By: Mario Smith

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