Castello di Vicchiomaggio

The origins of what is today the Tuscan villa known as Castello di Vicchiomaggio are obscure. There was a military presence at this site at least as far back as the 9 – 10 C, probably initially put in place by the Lombards, since names such as Littifredo, Imilda and Walfredo are specified in the earliest documents referring to the site of Vicchiomaggio, and indeed it was originally called “Vicchio dei Longobardi”. Its location on top of a hill overlooking the entire Val di Greve was of highly strategic value, especially in the Mediaeval period, so that the castle played an important part in the defence of Florence during its periodic conflicts with Sienna.

The current Vicchiomaggio Castle dates back to around 1400 when the original military structures had already been converted into a villa belonging to the Florentine Gherardini family and later the Scolari family. The tower and the internal courtyard date from that period. Later on, it became a noble Renaissance villa. It was at that time that the word “Maggio” wasadded to the original name of “Vicchio”, to commemorate the “Maggiolate” (traditional songs of an idyllic-nature linked to the spring celebrations of “Calendimaggio” – “May Day”).

Castello di Vicchiomaggio is a stone structure, centred on a tall, crenellated tower, that preserves the typical mediaeval dwellings and defensive walls. It has been well-restored and is intact today. Many famous men and women are reputed to have stayed here at one time or another, including Leonardo da Vinci and Francesco Redi. It is claimed that Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa here, along with several elaborate and impressive drawings found among his personal papers and proving that he stayed here. (It has been claimed that nearby Villa Vignamaggio was the birthplace of Mona Lisa, without much evidence.) Redi, an Italian literature scholar, composed his “Il Bacco in Toscana” while staying at Vicchiomaggio in 1865.

In 1964, Vicchiomaggio estate was purchased and restored by Federico Matta from Tonengo, near Asti in Piedmont, who had previously moved to London to import French and Italian wines in the early 1950s. His son, John Matta, took care of the estate with his wife starting in 1982, successfully investing in wine production.

A number of beautifully furnished rooms in the villa and a nearby manor house are available as vacation rentals.

Stay at Castello di Vicchiomaggio.

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