City: Tuscany
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What to do and see in Tuscany, Italy: The Best Castles
Tuscany (/ˈtʌskəni/ TUSK-ə-nee; Italian: Toscana, pronounced [toˈskaːna]) is a region in central Italy with an area of about 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 square miles) and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants (2013). The regional capital is Florence (Firenze).
Restaurants in Tuscany
1. Castello di Monterinaldi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 427 reviews
Book your private tour and become part of Monterinaldi by visiting the cellars, tasting the wines, learning our production philosophy. Pair our wines with local home made food, and enjoy the real Tuscan flavors. Several private events are offered at Castello Monterinaldi: cooking class, off-road adventure, hiking and more. Ask for the complete and detailed program. The Castle of Monterinaldi, situated between Panzano and Radda in Chianti, in the center of the historic zone of Classical Chianti, is near an ancient Etruscan track. This historic site is mentioned in a document written in December 1010, which refers to “the Count Gottifredo Gottizio, of Longobard stock and a gentleman of Monterinaldi.” At Castello Monterinaldi you are welcome every day!
Reviewed By ChiguyIndy - Fishers, United States
Castello di Monterinaldi was the first place visited on a full day winery tour for our group of 16, and it was the perfect place to start our day. Georgia, our hostess was delightful and created a wonderful experience for us all. The wines were wonderful and the experience is first rate. The property is beautiful and this is a great destination for a tour or tour and meal.
2. Palazzo Vecchio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,946 reviews
Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio offers us mysteries, riddles, secret passages and a trip back into history to three eras. Palazzo Vecchio offers to us Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Its significance and beauty is immeasurable. And its history is extremely interesting. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. From the very beginning, the main section of Palazzo Vecchio was destined to host the city council which was composed of chief members the Guilds of Florence (the Priori) who governed the Republic of Florence. In 1342, the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne, enlarged Palazzo della Signoria towards Via della Ninna, giving it the appearance of a fortress and even adding a secret staircase for nightly exits. The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) was built from 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) by Girolamo Savonarola. The Hall is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Paneled ceilings and large wall frescoes, golden decorations and imposing sculptures leave us breathless. When the court of Medici was transferred to Palazzo Vecchio (from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi), it was transformed into a fascinating labyrinth of institutional chambers, apartments, terraces and courtyards. All of the rooms (the so-called Quartieri Monumentali) are magnificently decorated by artists such as Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It is fascinating that Pier Soderini, who was named gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic. Leonardo began to paint the Battle of Anghiari, while Michelangelo used another part of the wall for the Battle of Cascina. The two geniuses of the Renaissance would have had the opportunity to work for a certain period of time face to face, but none of their work had ever been completed.
3. Torre Grossa (o Torre del palazzo del Podesta)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Along with the Clock Tower, the Podesta's Palace Towers are the most impressive as they look out over the Piazza Duomo.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Torre Grossa is the highest tower in San Gimignano, a fantastic medieval town located in Tuscany Region, in the center of Italy. I am almost sure that it is a bell tower, where there is a very interesting museum of the history of San Gimignano, where you can see objects, paintings and explanations about the history of the town. Also, you can enter to the Pallazzo Comunale and see some official rooms. While you go up to the tower, you can see some very interesting videos about he history of the city and when you arrive at the top of the tower, you can see top views of this medieval town. Wonderful! Also, I came here with my 3 years old daughter (in August-2019) and she enjoyed a lot going up and down, seeing the videos and hearing the music, and seeing the charming views from the tower. A top for adults and children in Tuscany, in Italy, in Europe and probably on world.
4. Rocca of Montestaffoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Walk to the castle on this hilltop park to get a sweeping view of the town's many towers.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Walking to the hilltop was the highlight of our visit to San Gimignano. However don’t expect a huge fortress as it is mostly a crumbling, but picturesque ruin. It's the absolutely stunning views that are worth going for. The path is easily accessible for most people. It is a gentle uphill walk - a steady incline and not too steep. Starting just past the Duomo, there is a clear path the whole way. Halfway up, there is a large viewing point on your left which is a great spot to stop and take photos. The fortress itself is just a shell really but you can walk up on the old tower that still remains and the views from here are a 360 degrees panorama – it’s an absolutely commanding view. There was a big storm brewing the day we were there. Watching the dark clouds rolling in across the distant mountain and over the beautiful green vineyards and lands below was dramatic and stunning. Afterwards we wandered through the small gardens. Meandering paths, olive trees, a musician playing, a central medieval well… it couldn't be prettier. It is also quite peaceful up here as most day-trippers seem to stay close to the main historic centre. Had it been a better day, I can’t think of anything much nicer that taking some food up and having a picnic under the olive trees. NOTE: Entrance through the park and fortress is free.
5. Castello di Brolio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
Since 1141, the Ricasoli family has been making wines from the vineyards surrounding their estate, Brolio Castle, making it the world's oldest winemaking operation under continuous family control.
Reviewed By DrMarkV1985 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
This castle is beautiful and has incredible views of the hills below it, and was the perfect setting for me to propose to my girlfriend! The winery associated with it is gorgeous as well and you get a free glass of wine there with your castle ticket. We are certainly going back someday soon!
6. Castello Di Villanova Della Arno
7. Castello di Verrazzano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,338 reviews
Visitors to this romantic estate have agreed the trip was well worth it: the family is warm and hospitable, the grounds are ruggedly romantic and the wines are impressive.
Reviewed By MartinBlackDuck - Hunter Valley, Australia
We arrived in Greve a day early for our booking and needed somewhere to stay for that night. Luckily for us the Verrazzano farmhouse had two rooms for our party of 4 and we signed in. Offered a wine tour up at the castle, we first spent an hour enjoying a bottle of wine and those amazing Italian snacks including salumi and cheese. The wine tour was very special as we followed our guide through the cellars, seeing prosciutto hams maturing, olive oil vats, ageing balsamic vinegar and impressive wine collections. This included the family's own private collection. A tutored tasting with more cheese and salami completed the tour. Our rooms in the farmhouse were excellent and the breakfast served in a small courtyard first class. Could not recommend this place highly enough. To put this in context I live in a small vineyard in the Hunter Valley, so know my wines and wine tours!
8. Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
9. Giglio Castello
10. Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 918 reviews
Siena's City Hall, whose construction began in the 13th century, houses the city's Civic Museum, whose collection includes the profound fresco entitled "Allegory of Good and Bad Government."
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Palazzo Pubblico is the main building located in Piazza del Campo (the main square in Siena), located in this charming medieval town, in the Region of Tuscany, in the center of Italy. In fact, this building is the town hall and you can enter in the inner courtyard, which is wonderful. From here you can see the Mangia Tower from below, which is one of the most important turistic places in the city. The best views of the building are from the other side of Piazza del Campo, a place I am sure you will visit firstly, if you go to Siena. Top place! Wonderful complex: main square, town hall and tower. (See also Centro Storico di Siena and Torre de Mangia)
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