Wedding Ceremony:

The history of Chiesa della Natività di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo e San Nicola Taumaturgo

The Church of the Nativity of Christ was built from 1899 to 1903. It was the first Russian Orthodox building constructed in Italy, thanks to the efforts of Father Vladimir Levitsky and donations from Russian parishioners, particularly the Demidov family, and Emperor Nicholas II. It is a unique example of creative collaboration between Russian and Italian artists. While the frescoes and icons decorating the church's interior were painted by Russian artists, the stonework, iconostasis carvings, mosaics, and majolica decorations were executed by Italian masters.

Built in the style of 17th-century Moscow and Yaroslavl architecture according to the designs of M.T. Preobrazhensky, the church is located on two levels and consists of a lower and an upper church. The beautiful wooden iconostasis and all the furnishings and icons of the lower church, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, as well as the entrance and side doors of the upper church, were donated by Prince Pavel Demidov to San Donato after the dismantling of his house church, founded in 1840 in the Demidov villa near Florence, following its sale in 1876. The icons of the lower church are unique: painted in the renowned Peshekhonov workshop using a complex mixed technique, combining the rigor of the ancient iconographic tradition with the achievements of mid-century Russian academic painting.

The interior of the upper Church of the Nativity of Christ is decorated with a cycle of wall paintings in the Russian Art Nouveau style, which emerged in the late and early 19th century under the influence of such renowned artists as I. Ya. Bilibin, V. M. Vasnetsov, and M. V. Nesterov. The magnificent marble iconostasis, with icons of the royal family's patron saints, was a gift from the martyred Tsar Nicholas II.

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Wedding Reception:

The history of Castello il Palagio

Numerous events bear witness to the history of this Castle, which has survived various vicissitudes and incursions over the centuries. The solid base and mighty walls of this stone quadrilateral with its central tower, along with the valour of its defenders, prevented the devastation and destruction that many other similar buildings suffered. The first historical mention of Castello Il Palagio dates back to 1252, but it is believed to be much older. Located on the fortified line that extended from San Casciano to S. Andrea a Fabbrica, Il Palagio played an important role in defending this territory.

In 1260, the militia of the Ghibelline faction invaded the area, destroying nearby Pieve di Campòli. Castello Il Palagio remained unscathed even during Emperor Henry VII’s expedition, which affected most of the Chianti region. A few decades later, the Castle was enlarged and almost doubled in size, reaching much larger dimensions than those we see today, and becoming a true defensive stronghold and a breeding ground for offensive actions. In 1326, the area was subject to raids and destruction by the army of Castruccio Castracane, who stayed in the vicinity at length, also laying waste to the San Casciano area. In 1376, the Buondelmonti troops based at Castello Il Palagio succeeded in blocking the army of John Hawkwood (or Giovanni Acuto, as he was known in Italy) near Campoli. Formerly owned by the Canigiani family, Castello il Palagio was then part of the Florentine Republic for two centuries.

At the end of the 17th century, it was ceded to the Miniati di Dino Barons, an ancient Florentine family, who converted the Castle into a noble Villa, enhancing its appearance and enriching it with works of art. Centuries-old trees were planted around the walls, and the garden gained increasing beauty and grandeur, reaching its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. It then passed by succession to the Goretti Marquises, an ancient family from Casentino, who combined the two surnames, and were henceforth known as the Goretti Miniati Marquises. At the beginning of the 20th century, extensive renovation work on the whole property was undertaken, including the restoration and decoration of the Chapel.

Upon the death of the last owner, the property passed to the ancient patrician Florentine family, second cousins of the Goretti Miniatis. While it still preserves the remains of the ancient structure today, what is most admirable at Castello il Palagio is largely the result of the Neo-Gothic restoration that was carried out by architect Castellucci in the early 20th century. This restoration work also included the extensive agricultural estate, with the construction of the farmhouse, oil mill, new cellars and warehouses where, more than a century later, wine is still produced according to the ancient traditions.

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