Castello DI Oliveto

In the heart of the Florentine hills, about 30 km from Florence and 50 km from Siena, rises this splendid Tuscan castle built in 1424 by the noble and prestigious Florentine Pucci family, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful fortified structures in Tuscany, built to a design attributed to the famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi, designer of the Dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: the building is situated in the midst of numerous olive groves, in a dominant position well protected by moats, walls and towers. Over the centuries, its walls have welcomed illustrious personalities of the calibre of Pope Leo X de’ Medici, the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele III, as well as the great condottieri and historical figures who have populated the adventurous events of this legendary corner of Tuscany . Architectural elements of particular interest are the Guelph battlements, the four corner towers, the clock tower, the inner courtyard of the villa with graphite plaster, the four-arched loggia and the chapel for religious services.

The manor house has an area of 3,000 square metres, which revolves around a large courtyard with historical charm, overlooking an original Renaissance garden. Inside are numerous reception rooms and a part dedicated to offices and reception, while on the upper floors are the luxurious suites, the heart of the tourist activity that makes it a jewel of Tuscan hospitality. On the 1,200 hectares that make up this unique estate, there are 15 other hamlets for a total of more than 30,000 square metres, including a historic Renaissance villa with an aristocratic chapel and frescoed halls.

The buildings on the property are currently in need of renovation and some staffing, with the exception of one in which a thriving agritourism business is conducted. The land is predominantly wooded, one part is arable land and another part is dedicated to the cultivation of approximately 3,000 olive trees. Not to be missed are the vineyards currently in production on about 27 hectares of Chianti Colli Fiorentini.