Top 7 Castles around Foiano Della Chiana

Montecchio Vesponi Castle dominates the Val di Chio from a hill over 360 meters above sea level. With its crenellated walls, towers, and an imposing 30-meter-high square tower, it is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Tuscany and can be recognized from afar throughout the valley. Contested for centuries by Arezzo and Florence for its strategic position on the road to Cortona, it became a Florentine stronghold after the Battle of Campaldino in 1289. In the 14th century, it was also home to the famous mercenary captain John Hawkwood. Today, the castle comes back to life with guided tours, events, and reenactments that evoke the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

beautiful dirt road ideal for gravel!

Località Modanella is a small village, or frazione, within the municipality of Rapolano Terme in the province of Siena, Tuscany. It is renowned for the Castello di Modanella, a medieval castle that stands as the focal point of the area. The castle's origins date back to the 12th century when it was constructed by the noble Cacciaconti family. In the 14th century, ownership transitioned to the Piccolomini family, who maintained possession for several centuries. The castle has undergone various modifications over the years but has retained its fortress-like appearance. Its architectural features include a well-preserved outer wall with towers featuring sloped bases. Within the castle grounds, the courtyard boasts a charming loggia and gardens, offering a glimpse into its historical grandeur. Adjacent to the castle is the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, a medieval structure that once fell under the patronage of the Piccolomini family. In the 19th century, the church underwent a restoration that imparted a neoclassical facade, while its interior reflects 17th-century renovations. Notable artworks within the church include "The Supper at Emmaus," attributed to Raffaello Vanni, and a revered 1657 wooden crucifix, which is central to a local festival held annually on the first Friday of March. Today, Castello di Modanella and its surrounding estate span approximately 630 hectares. The meticulously restored farmhouses within the estate serve as accommodations for visitors seeking tranquility and a historical ambiance in the heart of Tuscany. The preservation of the entire village, including the castle, church, a

check hours as they are open only certain days

On the southern borders of the municipal territory of Arezzo, in a splendid panoramic position on a spur overlooking the Val di Chiana, the Vitiano Castle, better known as La Torre, still exudes great charm. Built between the end of the 10th century and the 11th century and mentioned for the first time in 1098 as part of a will, the castle was part of the vast possessions of the Marchiones held through their vassals, who here took the name Da Vitiano and they subsequently became the actual owners. In June 1153 the Arezzo militias besieged the manor, forcing the owners to sign the transfer of ownership to the Municipality and the Parish Church of Arezzo. The deed was signed on June 28 of that year. In exchange for the transfer, the ancient owners regained the fortress and its court as a fief, but they had to respect the pacts of submission and loyalty. Subsequently, the Da Vitianos moved or were forced to move to the city, to the Porta Sant'Andrea neighborhood. From some branches of the family the Perini, the Marcelli and the Dragomanni were born. The Perini also gave their name to one of the most characteristic "canti" of Arezzo, the one near Giorgio Vasari's birthplace in today's via Mazzini. According to Ubaldo Pasqui the "Annales Arretinorum Maiores" - fundamental sources for reconstructing the history of Arezzo – were written by Ser Francesco, son of Ser Astoldo di Baldinuccio Da Vitiano, one of the most famous Arezzo notaries of the early fourteenth century.

Beautiful medieval castle with lots of cycling and hiking routes connecting.

The castle dominates the Castiglionese part of the Val di Chiana and is a place worth visiting even just from the outside.

From the crossroads of the state road, go up for about 5 km of dirt road to the castle of Gargonza. Not impossible woods and slopes, dirt road in good condition