The Castle of Montegufoni is a splendid property to rent in occasion of a holiday in Tuscany. Its excellent position allows to reach some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Central Italy and the panoramic view is so beautiful that it takes the breath away. This magnificent castle can really turn each stay into a fairytale!
Are you curious to discover the history of this palace? Then continue reading!
The building was built in the 10th-11th century by the Florentines. In this period, the feudal system was still on force and it was based on the appointment of lands to religious and aristocratic authorities. The lord who managed Montegufoni Castle was a member of the Ormanni family and the choice of the castle was due to its excellent, strategic position. A small village started to enlarge around the castle and the inhabitants mainly dedicated themselves to agricolture, in order to exploit the local resources. However, in 1135 the Castle was totally destroyed by a Florentine army attack and it was left in ruins for centuries. This four towers-fortress doesn't exist anymore, but some of its rests are still visible in the castle's garden.
It was not before 1160 that the castle was bought by Gugliarello Acciaioli, whose family managed the building for centuries and financed its reconstruction, transforming it into a noble fortress. Thanks to their huge wealth, they also enlarged its spaces building a central structure and seven minor buildings, which later got the name of "the seven old villas of the ancestral Castle of Montegufoni”. In 1386, Donato di Jacopo started building the majestic stone tower and the family commissioned works like the Court of the "Dukes of Athens" and its entrance staircase. The bell tower was then restored in 1546 and the architect was visibly inspired by the Arnolfo di Cambio's tower for Palazzo Vecchio.
In the 17th century, Montegufoni acquired its final aspect: the seven properties were reunited, the halls were decorated by some splendid frescoes and the garden of the Cardinal, the internal Gallery, the Assunta Chapel and the wonderful "Grotta di Latona" were added.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Castle was bought by an English lord called Sir George Sitwell, who had fallen in love with its charm, and his son Osbert Sitwell commissioned the illustration of some halls with Gino Severini's "Maschere". Later, during the Second World War, few people know that Montegufoni was chosen to host some valuable works of Renaissance art which were transferred here from Florence's main museums. Masterpieces such as "The Spring" by Botticelli, Giotto's “Madonna di Ognissanti” or Ghirlandaio's ’”Adoration of the Kings" were located in its beautiful halls until 1945, when they were officially returned to the Uffizi Galleries.
Finally, in 1972 the property was sold to Posarelli family, who still manages the castle. Montegufoni is now a luxury holiday accommodation in Chianti which has been divided in 39 wonderful apartments to grant a memorable vacation experience to its guests.
Discover the beauty of this incredible place during your next trip to Tuscany! Book one of its splendid apartments choosing your favorite on our website!
© Alice Pilastri
