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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