Tuscany is one of the most beloved regions in Italy, thanks to its marvelous art, amazing hot springs and thermal baths, and delicious wine. While its capital, Florence, is considered the center of European Renaissance art, the entire region is mostly known for its Medieval castles.
There is so much to explore! From dramatic fortresses overlooking the sea to enchanting castles perched on top of a hill and lovely fortified towns, the options are endless.
This article explains why Medieval architecture abounds in this Italian region, suggests the best areas to explore, and gives you a short list of the best castles in Tuscany.
Introduction to Tuscany’s Castles
Before our list of the best castles in Tuscany, let’s explore the history of this region.
Overview of Tuscany’s rich medieval history
Similarly to the rest of Italy, Tuscany has a rich history, which can hardly be summarized in a paragraph. However, if you’re heading there for your vacation, you may want to learn a few basic historical facts.
The region probably owes its name to the Etruschi, the population that inhabited these lands before the arrival of the Romans around 350 BC. It was during the Roman period that most of the cities still present in Tuscany were founded.
During the early Medieval period, starting in the 5th century, with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Tuscany was first ruled by the Ostroghots and later by the Byzantines before becoming a duchy under the barbarian Lombards. These Germanic people conquered most of Italy between 568 and 774 and set the capital of the Duchy of Tuscany in Lucca.
In 774, Tuscany was conquered by the Franks to then become part of the Attoni family in the 11th century, who owned other nearby territories, including the cities of Mantua, Canossa, Modena, and Reggio. During this period, Tuscany became an important power in Central Italy. However, in 1115, after the death of Matilda of Canossa, the countess of Tuscany, this region slowly lost its unity. Each city gradually affirmed its independence, and for about four centuries, each comune fought against the other to become the leading power.
Pisa was the first city to gain supremacy, followed by Florence, which established itself as the center of Renaissance culture.
Why Tuscany is famous for its castles
Tuscany is home to many medieval castles because of a historical period called ‘Incastellamento.’ This period, which lasted from around the ninth to the thirteenth century, was characterized by the construction of several fortifications, castles, and towers for which Tuscany is still renowned today. While this period characterized several areas in Western Europe, it was predominant in Tuscany.
Several small villages erected high fortifications surrounding their territories, and the wealthy members of society started to build castles to seek refuge in case of attacks and invasions. Many of the castles and fortified towns in Tuscany we can still admire today were built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries.
Best Areas to Visit Castles in Tuscany
In general, you can’t go wrong when visiting this Italian region. When browsing through Tuscany luxury villas, you can pick up any random location, and you will most likely have a castle, fortified city, or ancient tower within an hour’s drive. However, there are a few areas where finding the best castles in Tuscany may be a bit easier.
Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is an ancient road and pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury in the UK with Rome through France and Switzerland. This road is incredibly old, and we have written records of its presence dating back to the 8th century.
The Via Francigena will take you to many settlements of important historical significance in the Middle Ages, passing through several towns and cities in Tuscany, including Lucca, San Gimignano, and Siena.
This road can, therefore, be ideal for those looking for a fun car trip idea. Simply follow this route, and you will find plenty of castles worth visiting on the way.
- Best for: Car trips
- What to visit: Castello del Piagnaro, rocca di Federico II, Grancia di Cuna
- Cons: You will need a car to reach the most remote locations
Pisa
Pisa is the ideal base if you want to explore Medieval fortified towns, castles, and other structures. Thanks to its location near the sea, this city became extremely wealthy during the Middle Ages and was the first settlement to gain supremacy in Tuscany.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Camposanto, the Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, and the Battistero di San Giovanni all date back to the Middle Ages. While considerably different in style from other structures built during this period, you cannot travel to Tuscany without visiting this world-renowned example of Medieval Christian architecture. Not many people know that this city is also home to ancient walls erected between 1154 and 1161 and where people can still walk today.
- Best for: Architecture and art lovers
- What to visit: Piazza dei Miracoli
- Cons: Mass tourism
- Nearby castles and fortified towns: Fortified town of Volterra, Rocca di Pietracassia, fortified town of Lari.
Siena
In Siena, you will be surrounded by amazing medieval architecture without the huge groups of tourists typical of Pisa. This city features Medieval walls that have been expanded several times throughout the centuries. As you walk through this ancient city, you will probably see these fortifications that have now lost their original purposes. Look for the many ‘porte,’ entryways, and arches built throughout the centuries to give people access to the city, including Porta Ovile, Porta Pìspini, and Porta Camolia.
Some of the Medieval churches and structures that can be visited in Siena today include the Basilica di San Francesco, Fontebranda, and the famous Piazza del Campo.
This is the best place for those wanting to truly immerse themselves in this unique historical period. In the summer, the Palio, an ancient horse race, takes place in the Piazza del Campo. During this event, each city district challenges each other, and citizens gather to celebrate. If you decide to visit Siena during this period, you will also get the chance to see the Corteo Storico, a historical parade in which locals dress up in Medieval costumes, allowing you to step back in time.
- Best for: Those who truly want to immerse themselves in the Middle Ages
- What to visit: The historical walls and their doors, Piazza del Campo, Fontebranda
- Cons: It can be expensive if you’re heading there during the historical horse race
- Nearby castles and fortified towns: Castello di Monteriggioni, Castello di Brolio, Palazzo Pubblico di Siena
4 Best Castles in Tuscany
Here are some of our favorite Medieval castles in Tuscany.
Castello di Monteriggioni
The Castello di Monteriggioni was built under the order of the Republic of Siena for defensive purposes. The main aim was to keep an eye on the valleys of Elsa and Staggio, which were in the direction of Florence, Siena’s rival at the time.
While often referred to as a castle, this is more of a fortified town. Ancient walls surround the entire village, and nowadays, people can walk on them for a unique experience. Here, you will have one of the best views in Tuscany, and you’ll be able to see the 15 towers that characterize this lovely town.
- Location: 12 miles from Siena
- Built between: 1213 and 1219
Castello dei Conti Guidi (Poppi)
The Castello dei Conti Guidi, also known as Poppi Castle, is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful Medieval structures. This place is unique because, unlike other castles, it has always been used for political or administrative purposes, meaning that it is in great condition. Today, the castle is also home to the Riliana Library. Visitors can also decide to climb the tower to enjoy a stunning view of their surroundings.
- Location: 25 miles from Arezzo
- Built around: 1290
Castello di Brolio
The Brolio Castle is another must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in the Middle Ages. Construction work on the site began in the eleventh century, and the castle has been modified several times. Today, this site is characterized by different architectural styles, making it unique in its genre. From the Medieval fortified bastions to the Neo-Gothic and Romantic details, all architecture lovers should visit this castle.
Castello di Brolio is home to the Chapel of San Jacopo and a crypt. If you decide to head here, don’t forget to visit its stunning gardens. The current Ricasoli family now inhabits the castle, and depending on your purchased ticket, you may even get a tasting experience of one of their locally produced wines.
- Location: 18 miles from Siena
- Built around: Ninth century
Castello del Volterraio
This is the place to go if you’re eager to explore ancient ruins with dramatic views over the Mediterranean Sea. Located on the Isola d’Elba, reaching this place may be challenging as you will have to take a ferry, but it’s absolutely worth it.
This ancient fortress is surrounded by lush nature and is located on a hill at a height of 1300 feet. This site is incredibly old and was first chosen by the Etruscans as a lookout post. Today, it is open to the public, and tourists can book guided tours to learn more about its unique history.
- Location: Isola d’Elba
- Built around: 1000