Castello di Montecchio Vesponi
Private medieval castle in the Valdichiana, one of the best-preserved in Tuscany, open to visitors on guided tours organised by the association InCastro on set dates.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle of Montecchio Vesponi stands on a hill 363 metres high in the hamlet of Montecchio, in the municipality of Castiglion Fiorentino, in a strategic position along the routes linking Arezzo with Cortona and the Valdichiana. It is documented in 1014 as “Castrum Montis Guisponi”, but the fortified settlement may date back to the 10th century. In 1234 it passed to the Commune of Arezzo, which strengthened its defences, and after the battle of Campaldino (1289) it came under the Florentine sphere.
In the 14th century the castle was occupied by the English condottiero John Hawkwood, known in Italy as Giovanni Acuto. The complex is the result of many transformations over the centuries: a circuit of walls about 263 metres long follows almost the whole profile of the hill, with watchtowers; a square tower about 30 metres high dominates the valley; and the 14th-century cassero (fortified keep) forms the heart of the fortification. The so-called Casa del Giusdicente (Magistrate's House), also called Palazzo del Tribunale, and a 13th-century tower also survive.
The castle is privately owned and is open to the public only with guided tours organised by the association InCastro APS, whose archaeologists have carried out excavations in the complex. Opening dates are announced periodically.
Highlights
- Circuit of walls about 263 metres long, with watchtowers
- Square tower about 30 metres high overlooking the Valdichiana
- 14th-century cassero and Casa del Giusdicente
- Link with the condottiero John Hawkwood (Giovanni Acuto)
- Guided visits with the archaeologists of the InCastro association
- Founded
- 2016
- Operated by
- Proprietà privata (visite a cura dell'associazione InCastro APS)
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits for small groups run by the custodian and the archaeologists of InCastro APS. |
