This Chianti castle announces itself in the enchanting Chianti landscape at the end of a lovely driveway lined with cypresses and junipers. The imposing medieval structure is surrounded by sun-kissed fields and vineyards, and is within an easy drive to Siena and Florence, and about 1 Km. from Gaiole in Chianti. If you are planning a destination wedding in Tuscany, this Fortified Chianti castle will delight you and your guests!
The Castle's setting is an invitation to step out of the frenetic pace of the big city and immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside experiencing its colours, flavours and perfumes.
The Castle dates back to 1262 and originally belonged to the Benedictine monks of the famed Coltibuono Abbey. The Ricasoli family extended and embellished the building over the centuries, and today the Castle still retains the original massive 15th century fortifications. The imposing medieval tower dominates the entire property. The attached aristocratic villa is a beautiful sequence of furnished and decorated rooms, including an unparalleled 18th century theatre. The rooms are the perfect setting for an elegant Chianti wedding banquet.
A selection of elegantly furnished, traditional Tuscan farmhouses is available for rent by the week; perfect for you and your wedding guests wishing to experience life in Chiantishire.
Key Features
- Total of 60 guests can be accommodated at this castle.
- Various frescoed halls furnished with antiques for any size wedding party.
- Possibility of wedding parties for up to 300 guests.
- Amazing gardens.
- 6 beautiful apartments with kitchens
- 5 bedrooms, breakfast included.
- The luxurious, newly renovated Canonica farmhouse with 4 double rooms
- Swimming pool
- Catholic chapel for religious weddings
- Larger Catholic church nearby.
- Beautiful 18th century theatre for performances.
- BBQ and picnic possibilities.·
- Wine and olive oil tastings - the castle is a fully functioning wine producer.
Wedding Info
The Castle's history is also a history of Weddings, such as those of Alberto Firidolfi's daughter Lucrezia and, in 1852, Baron Bettino's daughter Elisabetta: it could also become the history of Your wedding, against a background imbued with extraordinary beauty.
The Reception
The castle is an ideal backdrop for an elegant Tuscan wedding reception, either in the Piano Nobile (a series of furnished and frescoed rooms) which can be combined with the garden, a splendid terrace overlooking the unspoiled panorama of the Chianti hills, and the Stables, where you can relax or let yourself go dancing!
Your wedding celebration can be organized as you wish: aperitif in the garden, lunch or dinner in the Castle and dancing in the Stables; or aperitif in the Castle, lunch or dinner in the Stables and the garden for enjoying a touch of sun.
You and any of your guests who have come from far off can stay in the B&B rooms situated on the first floor of the Castle, in the Casa Canonica (Priest's House) next to the Castle, and in the farm apartments.
Guest Activities
A guided tour of the Castle and its Old Cellars and a tasting of the estate's products can be arranged. A Tuscan barbecue to welcome guests who are staying at the Castle is another option as well as a Mediaeval evening, with live music and singing in a soft, evocative atmosphere lit only by torches, naked flames, oil lamps and candles!
The Ceremony
For symbolic weddings there is a small private chapel overlooking the square opposite the Castle.
For a Catholic ceremony there is the Romanesque Parish Church of Santa Maria in Spaltenna, that is only 2 kilometres from the Castle. There are other fine Romanesque churches in the immediate vicinity as well.
For civil weddings, the Town Hall of Gaiole in Chianti is only 2 kilometres from the Castle, while Radda and Castellina in Chianti are about 10 and 20 kilometres respectively, and Siena Town Hall in the extraordinary setting of Piazza del Campo!
And after the celebrations, for a dreamlike night...the Baron's bedroom awaits you...for a well-deserved rest!
