The medieval settlement of Castell’in Villa maintains many of the original structures, keeps a privileged position, and offers one of the most exciting views of the Chianti Senese.
The first news to document its existence dates back to August 1176, when Ugo di Valcortese signed a paper with which the community formally became part of the Municipality of Siena. Other information communicates that the Sienese furrier Palmiero di Bruno was named mayor of Castell ‘in Villa in January 1263.
Probably for its particular location, Sienese people built the high tower to control Florence, Sienna’s eternal rival. In fact, because of its border position, Florentines constantly besieged the village of Castell’in Villa. Today, San Cristoforo Church still stands on the edge of the borough, and the tower still dominates the medieval town. All around, the hospitality structures of the modern Castell’in Villa estate develop.
In 1968, Riccardo and Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa purchased the three hundred hectares estate. After a careful, conservative restoration, Castell’in Villa still maintains its medieval charm.