Montecchio Vesponi Castle

Fans of fantasy literature will feel pervaded by a thrill of emotion in front of the imposing beauty of Castle of Montecchio Vesponi in Castiglion Fiorentino. A real medieval jewel that has remained intact over time not only from an architectural point of view but also for its imposing atmosphere, sometimes surreal and out of time.

Its state of conservation makes it one of the most interesting castles in the province of Arezzo and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. Get mesmerized by its 263-meter crenellated walls that define its profile. Even more extraordinary is its tower rising for about thirty meters, which makes it easily identifiable from the whole surrounding area.

The castle dominates Val di Chio, between Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona, a position that between the 10th and 12th centuries was at the center of several battles between Arezzo and Florence, with the latter increasingly aiming to conquer this castle to consolidate the own influence on the territory. However, it only became a Florentine stronghold in 1289, a phase in which the castle took on its current appearance following a series of strengthening works.

Subsequently, in the fourteenth century, it became a kingdom of the feared captain of fortune John Hawkwood, the famous “Giovanni Acuto” in Italy, immortalized by Paolo Uccello in the imposing fresco in Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.

Today the Montecchio Vesponi Castle hosts concerts, literary events and guided tours, which can be booked by contacting the “Incastro Association” at the following references: associazione.incastro@gmail.com / 331 9418621 (9 am-9pm).