Castle Florence Outskirts

The Castle is one of Tuscany’s most notable properties thanks to its striking combination of medieval, renaissance and baroque architectural styles and artwork.
Located just 12km from the centre of Florence the castle has over 1,000 years of history,
protected walled gardens, a private chapel and remarkable frescoes throughout. Records
in the State Archive state that the castle was built in 964 as a military garrison and was
involved in the notorious conflicts between the Guelfi and Ghibellini.
The castle is a particularly interesting structure from an architectural point of view as it
combines military and villa styles with a central fortress flanked by elegant 16th century
stucco villa facades. It was during the 16th century, when the castle was owned by the
Ciaini family that the stucco villa facades were added to the existing stone fortress and
tower. The Ciaini family were one of the wealthiest Florentine families of their time and
were known for their patronage of the arts and architecture. They appointed Domenico di
Baccio d’Agnolo, one of the most renowned architects of the period, to design the new
villa.
The interior decoration of the castle, with breathtaking frescoes in all the state rooms on
the ground floor, is thanks to the Niccolini d’ Agnolo family that purchased the property
from the Ciaini family in 1572. Giovanni Niccolini d’ Agnolo was a well respected Senator
and like so many of the other political leaders of his time, when not embroiled in the
complex politics of 16th century Florence, he studied archaeology as a pass-time. Many of
the frescoes found throughout the castle make reference to his interests. There are also
several important crests in the castle which combine the crest of the Niccolini d‘Agnolo
family with the crest of the Salviati family (Giovanni wife’s noble family).
There are 1400 sqm of floor area with interlinking state rooms on the ground floor that
open onto frescoed loggias and the central courtyard from which the views of the
surrounding countryside can be enjoyed. The first floor of the castle is divided into three
units which could be united if required.
The ground floor of the castle requires no restoration having been rewired and
modernised in the past few years. Remarkably the frescoes remain in pristine condition
after several centuries and require no restoration. The first floor requires some
renovation and modernisation, in particular the central stone tower.

The castle sits in a dominant position on a hill with 8 hectares of surrounding land with a
range of rare trees, many of which are several hundred years old. Not only is the castle
listed but also the garden within the original walls; this means that no trees can be
removed, no features added nor the layout/landscaping altered.
Within the grounds is a chapel which is still consecrated and used for private services and
weddings. In the chapel one finds a fresco attributed to the School of Vasari and above
the main entrance of the chapel is a terracotta relief by the School of Luca della Robbia.