Castello di Brolio is a famous and beautiful Tuscan castle in the southern Chianti countryside, located on top of an isolated hill a few kilometers from Gaiole. It is famous for its stunning architecture, grounds and views but is also supposedly home to several ghosts and is where one of the most famous wines in the region was born.
A visit to the castle provides a whole day out as there is plenty of cultural and artistic gems and historic insights to be discovered but there is also still a functioning vineyard on the property where you can take tours and even sample a little of the lauded local tipple.
Once you have found a villa with a pool in Chianti and are exploring the region, you can rest assured knowing that you have one day trip planned already.
A visit to the castle provides a whole day out as there is plenty of cultural and artistic gems and historic insights to be discovered but there is also still a functioning vineyard on the property where you can take tours and even sample a little of the lauded local tipple.
Once you have found a villa with a pool in Chianti and are exploring the region, you can rest assured knowing that you have one day trip planned already.
The castle has been property of the Ricasoli family since 1141 but the appearance as we see it today can largely be attributed to one family member from the 19th century. As one of Florence's strategical outposts for centuries, it was attacked and destroyed many times throughout its history.
Each time it was destroyed, it was then reconstructed in the style of the time right up until it got a Gothic Revival makeover courtesy of Bettino Ricasoli in the 1800s.
In addition to the very pretty castle, you will also find yourself charmed by the Renaissance gardens with typical geometric shaped bushes, the English woods and the amazing panoramic views over the Chianti region offered by that strategic location. In fact, on a good day, you can see all the way to Siena.
Each time it was destroyed, it was then reconstructed in the style of the time right up until it got a Gothic Revival makeover courtesy of Bettino Ricasoli in the 1800s.
In addition to the very pretty castle, you will also find yourself charmed by the Renaissance gardens with typical geometric shaped bushes, the English woods and the amazing panoramic views over the Chianti region offered by that strategic location. In fact, on a good day, you can see all the way to Siena.
Surprisingly, the castle is actually still home to the current Ricasoli baron and his family but you can visit some parts of the building: the Chapel of San Jacopo and the crypt with the family tombs; the small museum that houses the Ricasoli collection of weapons, documents and personal belongings and Bettino Ricasoli's fossil and mineral collection; the gardens; and the vineyard. There are also special themed tours available such as the free "classic" tour of the gardens, the "historical" tour of the gardens and museum, and the "research and experimentation" tour of the wine cellars and experimental vineyards, which also includes wine tasting at the Ricasoli wine shop. The wine and vineyard are obvious highlights of visiting this particular castle as it is a huge Chianti Classico-producing estate and the oldest winery in Italy. However, the estate is also home to a nice agriturismo that boasts a pool overlooking the Sangiovese vineyards and a cosy restaurant where you can sample regional dishes prepared with their own organic ingredients.
If all that still doesn't interest you, the castle also is said to be a hotspot for ghosts such as that of Bettino, who has been spotted walking the grounds and out riding on a white horse with a pack of hunting dogs. With so much to see and do, this is definitely one of the best attractions to visit while you stay in Tuscany!
If all that still doesn't interest you, the castle also is said to be a hotspot for ghosts such as that of Bettino, who has been spotted walking the grounds and out riding on a white horse with a pack of hunting dogs. With so much to see and do, this is definitely one of the best attractions to visit while you stay in Tuscany!
Photo credits
picture 2: Thomas Hawk / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 2: Thomas Hawk / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
