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The origins of Vicchiomaggio Castle, originally called “Vicchio dei Longobardi”, date back to around 1400.

HISTORY

Its location on top of a hill overlooking the entire Val di Greve proved to be a highly strategic value, especially in the Middle Ages and allowed the castle to play a fundamental role in the defence of Florence during the conflicts with Siena.
In the second half of the XIII century, the castle suffered some severe damage which led to a progressive depopulation.

In 1320, only abandoned buildings and empty spaces were left in the castle: this explains its following transformation into a residence for the Gherardini family from Florence, and then for the Scolaris. The defence tower and the internal courtyard refer to that very historical period.

Later on, it became a noble Renaissance villa reaching its maximum splendour. It was precisely in that period that the word “Maggio” was put before the original name of “Vicchio”, in memory of the “Maggiolate” (traditional songs of an idyllic-loving nature linked to the spring celebrations of “Calendimaggio” – “May Day”).

THE VILLA

Vicchiomaggio Castle built with solid stone whose core is the high crenellated tower preserves the typical medieval dwellings and defensive walls. Thanks to careful and meticulous restorations, it is now perfectly preserved and has been recently recognized as a national monument.
During its long and glorious history, many personalities stayed at Vicchiomaggio Castle, including Leonardo da Vinci and Francesco Redi.
The Italian inventor painted the Mona Lisa there, along with several elaborate and impressive drawings still treasured among his personal papers; Redi, an Italian literature scholar, composed his “Il Bacco in Toscana” while staying at the castle in 1865.

In 1964, Vicchiomaggio estate was purchased and restored by Federico Matta from Tonengo, near Asti in Piedmont, who had previously moved to London to import French and Italian wines in the early 1950s. His son, John Matta, took care of the estate with his wife starting in 1982, investing mostly in wine production and achieving several quality awards.

THE GARDEN

A harmonious Italian garden, with cypresses and hedges, and a large park surround the building. The estate vineyards extend all around it.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)