Florence Accommodation » Discover Florence » Castles in Florence

Castles in Florence and its Surroundings



The legend goes that the castle of Malmantile, in Lastra a Signa, owes its name to a malediction Sant`Ambrogio pronounced against a local innkeeper: "mala mantiglia", the phrase the name of the place comes from, may in fact mean "maledetta tovaglia" (damned tablecloth).

At the beginning of every summer this village erected in the 15th century to defend nearby Florence from any possible threats coming from west plunges back into the Middle Ages, and the tourists who visit the castle can live in long lost atmospheres and taste foods dating back to medieval times.

But Malmantile is not the only castle in Florence and its surroundings.

Apart from the Fortezza da Basso and Forte Belvedere, Florence main castles, travelling in the countryside you can stumble across many buildings dating back to the first centuries of the second millennium.

In Scandicci you have the castle of the Acciaiolis, which nowadays belongs to the town and hosts many cultural events. In Bagno a Ripoli stands the castle of Quarate, which was probably built between the 12th and the 13th century and is now private property.

And do not forget the castle of the Conti Guidi in Vinci, in Empoli countryside. According to some written documents, the castle already existed at the end of the 12th century. The municipality acquired it in the first half of the 20th century and at present it hosts the Museo Leonardiano. In fact, it is situated close to Vinci, where Leonardo was born on April 15th, 1542. What is to be seen in the museum? More than 50 models and machines designed by the famous scientist-engineer.

 

Our most requested villas for vacation rentals:
Villa Arnetoli
Villa Arnetoli
Castle in Greve in Chianti (Florence) with swimming pool, park and restaurant. Accommodation for groups from 4 to 53 people. More details
Farm Florence
Farm Florence
Ancient castle in Pelago (Florence), in Valdisieve, that has been converted into a holiday farm. 23+5 sleeping accommodations in five apartments accommodating 2 to 8+2 people. Swimming pool, cooking lessons, restaurants. A few kilometres from Florence historic centre. More details
Castle Chianti
Castle Chianti
Apartments in medieval castle in the Chianti district, just a few kilometres form Florence. 16/25 sleeping accommodations, swimming pool, rooms for ceremonies and meetings. More details
Castle Renai
Castle Renai
Holiday castle for rent in Renai, between Florence and Pisa, in Empoli countryside. 12 sleeping accommodations, air conditioning, swimming pool, garden, Jacuzzi. More details