About us
Montegufoni (IT)
1000+ Years Old
39 Apartments, 140 Guests
THE CASTLE
The Castle of Montegufoni is situated in the heart of Tuscany, only 20 kilometers south of Florence and it is the perfect home to discover amazing cities like Arezzo, Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena.
No exact date is known for the origin of the Castle of Montegufoni, but it is most likely to have been built during the 10th or 11th centuries. The first lords of Montegufoni were the Ormanni, a noble family who built the first castle. This castle was razed to the ground following a dispute with the Florentine government in 1135. The ruins of the tower of the Ormanni Castle are still visible in the northern section of the garden today.
Following a period of disuse, the castle was eventually occupied by the Acciaioli, an illustrious family that took its name from its main activity, the “Acciaioli” (steelworkers). It is most likely that the rebuilding of Montegufoni was undertaken between 1280 and 1300, when the Acciaioli were particularly prosperous. In the thirteenth century its members had set out to conquer Malta, Corinth and Athens. They reigned, very ruthlessly, in these two cities for over 100 years, becoming known as the Dukes of Athens. For that reason one of the courtyards in Montegufoni Castle is still called the Court of the Dukes.
The Castle still retains a certain medieval flavour, which easily and quickly blends smoothly with Renaissance refinements. The imposing façade and the central courtyard convey a sense of primitive austerity, slowly flowing over into illuminated rooms with large windows, looking out over sloping gardens and a breathtaking landscape. The medieval corridors take you along numerous interesting hidden spots, until you step into the 18th century hall which bathes in a wonderfully light atmosphere.
“La Sala delle Maschere” by Gino Severini
The Castle of Montegufoni holds a great art treasure, a frescoed room by Gino Severini called “La Sala delle Maschere”. This work was commissioned in 1921 by Sir George Sitwell, the then owner of Montegufoni, who wanted to have one of the rooms in the castle frescoed. The choice of painter, although the Sitwell children had suggested their friend Pablo Picasso, fell on Gino Severini.
Severini was a Tuscan artist who Sir George had met in Paris where the painter had lived since 1906, and had joined the Italian Futurist movement.
The “Sala delle Maschere” (The room of masks) however belongs to a later classical period that Severini made his own at the beginning of the twenties, influenced by Picasso, when his painting became more colourful and his preferred objects, like harlequins and still lives, were illuminated by a Mediterranean light. The room chosen for the execution of the frescoes was a drawing-room situated in the wing of the castle destined for the two sons of Sir George, who asked the artist to fresco the walls with the characters from the Italian “Commedia dell’Arte”.
Severini was enthusiastic about the subject as it provided an opportunity to represent characters half-way between invention and reality, between the human and the abstract, which corresponded exactly to where his art was developing, passing from cubism to classicism.
On the North wall is represented Pulcinella with a violin and two harlequins sitting at a table pouring wine, in the garden of Montegufoni.
On the East wall we find two Pulcinellas, one with a flute, the other with a guitar, while the wall facing South portrays Arlecchino, Beppe Nappa and Tartaglia walking in the garden of Montegufoni playing their instruments (they represent the two Sitwell sons and Severini himself).
On the fourth wall the artist has pictured two still lives with a background of Montegufoni.
In the Spring of 1922 Severini concluded his work to the complete satisfaction of the Sitwell family.
Cosimo Posarelli
Montegufoni Castle stands for a relaxing environment, a warm hospitality and personal approach by all of our team members. Montegufoni Castle is therefore the ideal spot in the heart of Tuscany to spend your holiday.
Reception
At the reception we love to help you out with all your questions or holiday planning.
Opening hours from April to October
- Monday-Friday: 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:30 – 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 20:00
- Sunday: 09.00 – 12.00 and 15.00 – 18.00
- Check-in not available later than 10pm
Opening hours from November to March
- Monday-Friday: 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:30 – 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 12:00 / CLOSED
- Sunday: CLOSED
- Check-in not available later than 6pm
Bar*
At the terrace of our bar right next to the restaurant, with a spectacular view over the Tuscan hills, you are welcome for coffee and more.
Opening hours from April to October (closed from November 30th)
- Prosecco & Spritz Time: 17:30 – 19:30 (every day except on Tuesday)
Phone number: 0039 0571 671603 (from 5.30pm) OR 0039 0571 671131 (office time)
Restaurant*
Our team of ‘Il Ristorantino’ offers you typical fresh Tuscan food with local and organic ingredients, and of course the best wines of the region.
Opening hours from April to October (closed from November 30th)
- Dinner: 19:30 – 22:00 (every day except on Tuesday)
Phone number: 0039 0571 671603 (from 5.30pm) OR 0039 0571 671131 (office times)
Can we help?
For all other services like booking a restaurant in the neighbourhood or arranging transport to the airport or nearest train station, please contact our reception team.
We are happy to help you!
*The opening hours may have some changes. Please ask to the reception for further information.
HIGHLIGHTS
MUST SEE
Tuscany is one of the few regions in the world where people and nature live together in harmony. From the Castle of Montegufoni you can see the beautiful Tuscan landscape with panoramic views and beautiful scenes on the horizon: characteristic farms, castles and a Tuscan cypress on the beautiful gently rolling hills. Not surprising that many Renaissance painters found their inspiration here. Discover the cheerful, sensitive and sentimental atmosphere of Tuscany.
Florence (40 min)
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is listed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. In the capital of European art, it is therefore almost impossible to look past the wealth of art and architecture.
In Galleria dell’Academia, the oldest art academy in the world, you can see Michelangelo’s most famous work: the 5.17 meter high David. As an art lover, be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery, where you walk past phenomenal works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
On the Piazza del Duomo you will find the impressive Cathedral with its tall orange dome, beautifully illuminated in the evening. A little further there is the Campanile, the 85-meter-high bell tower that is clad in white, green and pink marble.
The well-known medieval bridge Ponte Vecchio connects the center of Florence with the green Oltrarno district. The bridge over the river Arno is a feast for the eyes in terms of architecture, but also thanks to the many shops that are located there. A notable detail is the Corridoio Vasariano, a corridor that is located one level higher on the bridge. Thanks to this secret corridor of 1 kilometer long that winds through Florence, the nobility did not have to interfere with the common people.
San Gimignano (50 min)
San Gimignano is probably the best known village in Tuscany. The village with its fourteen towers can be found in the heart of Tuscany in the province of Siena. The historic center of San Gimignano is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The towers for which San Gimignano is so famous are almost all built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. It was the noble families of the town who built the towers to show their fortune to the rest of the city. Once inside the city walls you cannot ignore that San Gigmignano is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany.
You will find the Collegiata, a fairly austere church on the outside, but whose inside is world famous for its beautiful frescoes. Other attractions in the village are the Palazzo del Popolo with the Torre Grossa, the church of Sant’Agostino, the Archaeological museum and the Spezieria di Santa Fina.
Siena (1 hour)
Together with Florence, Siena is one of the pearls of Italy. Spread over three hills, the city consists of districts that are proud of their individuality and compete with each other twice a year in the Palio, a famous horse race that probably goes back to the thirteenth century. That strong personality also characterizes the city as a whole, which is very keen to outdo its eternal rival Florence.
In the heart of the city lies one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the Piazza del Campo, in the shape of a shell. On the south side you will find the Palazzo Pubblico, a graceful Gothic palace, whose nearly 100 meter high Torre del Mangia dominates the city and surroundings.
Nearby are the Duomo with the Baptistery beneath which spectacularly combine sculptures, paintings and Gothic-Romanesque architecture. The “Libreria Piccolomini” houses amazing paintings by Pinturrichio.
But the Basilica of San Domenico is the most beautiful church in the city. Built with an Egyptian cross as a floor plan, it has an impressive vault and a transversal ship with high chapels in Cistercian style. It has two beautiful frescoes by Il Sodoma in the Saint Catherine’s Chapel.
Pisa (1 hour 10 min)
The leaning tower of Pisa gave the city world fame and ensures that Pisa is flooded annually by tourists. However, most holidaymakers do not go further than Piazza dei Miracoli to take a selfie while trying to “stop” or “push” the tower. If you walk a little further than the beaten track, you will discover the real local life and a beautiful collection of magnificent buildings, Gothic churches and cozy piazzas.
Just a stone’s throw from Miracoli square, Piazza dei Cavalieri is an oasis of tranquility, unlike its big brother. Here you can enjoy the Renaissance architecture of Pisa. The square was the political center of Pisa in the Middle Ages and is surrounded by a number of beautiful Palazzi including the Palazzo dell’Orologio, the Palazzo del Collegio Puteano and the Palazzo dei Cavalieri. The “Normale” University of Pisa is now located in this last palace.
Another oasis in busy Pisa is the beautiful botanical garden. The walled garden has been built around since 1544, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. A walk through the peaceful paths takes you past a special collection of palms, Alpine vegetation, herbs and orchids. In the garden there is a botanical institute, a natural history museum and a beautiful old greenhouse.
Lucca (1 hour 10 min)
The relatively quiet city of Lucca is one of the most beautiful and finest medium-sized cities in Tuscany. The city walls from the Renaissance are still completely intact and are now used as walking and cycling paths. The city walls give you a nice view over the historic center.
You will find many churches in Lucca. The most prominent building is the Duomo di San Martino. The cathedral in Romanesque style dates from the 11th century. In addition, the Torre Guinigi offers a beautiful view of the city and surroundings. The climb via the 230 narrow steps is not easy but worth the effort.
The famous oval Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, is just a 5-minute walk away. This square turns into a true sea of flowers during the traditional flower festival on the 27th of April.
Arezzo (1 hour 20 min)
Arezzo is a beautiful authentic Tuscan town if you are a fan of a friendly atmosphere and pleasant bustle.
In various churches you can view beautiful frescoes and paintings with great historical value. The Piazza Grande, the main square of Arezzo, is also worth a visit. You will not only find the Palazzo delle Logge, but also the Santa Maria della Pieve, a beautiful church that stands out for its round and angular shapes and many columns on different floors. The construction of the adjacent gothic Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici took almost 200 years and was completed in the mid-16th century. Inside you’ll find the astronomical clock from 1552. On top of the Palazzo you have a great view over Piazza Grande and the hills of Tuscany.
And whoever has seen the well-known film ‘La Vita è bella’, will recognize a few locations in Arezzo that were used as a backdrop for many scenes.
ACTIVITIES
MUST DO
Wine tasting
Tuscany is one of the world’s most famous regions to visit if you’re fond of quality products like excellent wines, supreme olive oil and of course the exquisite Italian food.
At Montegufoni we use the best of these ingredients to prepare your lunch and dinner, thanks to our close partnership with local providers, which we find within a stone’s throw of Castle Montegufoni.
But of course you can visit the farms and most famous wineries by yourself to see how these products are made. On your request, we would love to arrange for you a wine tasting or a visit to one of our privileged partners. As a guest of Montegufoni you will get a discount.
San Michele A Torri
- 15 minutes drive
- 15€ pp
- Visit the website of San Michele A Torri
Frescobaldi
- 10 minutes drive or 45 minutes walk
- Starting from 6 persons
- 30€ pp
- Visit the website of Frescobaldi
Pottery painting
In the heart of Tuscany, cradle of art and culture, the Ceramiche Artistiche Ninci renew the great tradition of the Tuscan school artists thanks to their exclusive decorative work. In Certaldo, a village nearby Montegufoni, you can visit their atelier on request. Discover how art comes alive. Book your visit at the reception and feel free to visit their website for a first glance.
Horseback riding
Surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan landscape you are in the perfect position for an hour or a day long ride trails in the hills of Chianti. Our partners at Maneggio Guelfi Neri offer horseback riding for beginners and advanced riders, over 14 years old, accompanied by their instructors. We suggest rides of 1-2 hours for beginners at walking pace to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Vespa tour
One of the most typical products of Italy is for sure the Vespa motorcycle. Who has never dreamt of making a Vespa tour through the Tuscan hills with friends or just you and your partner? It doesn’t get more romantic… Starting point of the Vespa tour is the Castello di Poppiano, 10 minutes drive from Montegufoni.
It is also possible to start at Montegufoni Castle itself. In that case, the operator brings the Vespas to Montegufoni. The additional cost of delivery will be communicated to you at the time of booking.
E-biking in the Tuscan hills
From the Castle of Montegufoni you can discover the beautiful Tuscan hilly landscape with panoramic views and beautiful scenes on the horizon by bike or e-bike.
Make a tour along characteristic farms, castles and Tuscan cypresses on the beautiful gently rolling hills. Discover the cheerful, sensitive and sentimental atmosphere of Tuscany by bike.
CONTACT
Questions? We’re here to help.
Are you looking for something specific, or do you still have questions about some of these activities? Just let us know, we will gladly help you.