Museo del castello di Porciano

About the museum

The Castle of Porciano, in the Casentino above Stia, dates back to the 10th century and had a defensive function under the Guidi counts, a powerful feudal family that controlled vast Tuscan territories. Its stones, laid by the Guidi in the 12th century, offer a rare example of military and residential architecture combined. According to tradition, the castle hosted Dante Alighieri during his exile, and it was here that the poet wrote three letters.

Between 1963 and 1978 the castle underwent a major restoration promoted by Flaminia Goretti de Flamini and George Specht, to whom the characteristic spring flowering of irises is also due. Today the building is also a place to stay, with apartments in the village and a restaurant.

The museum occupies the first and second floors of the castle and holds a collection of antique agricultural and domestic objects. The collection evokes the world of sharecropping (mezzadria) and pastoralism, fundamental components of the history of the Casentino area.

Highlights

• Castle of the Guidi counts, 10th–12th century, above Stia
• Collection of agricultural and domestic objects from sharecropping and pastoral life
• Link to the exile of Dante Alighieri
• View over the Casentino from the castle rooms

Permanent exhibition

• Museo agricolo e domestico del castello – Antique agricultural and domestic objects on the first and second floors, linked to sharecropping and pastoral life in the Casentino.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Porciano srl

Visitors per year

approx. 1,840

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Restaurant Il Fienile in the castle’s former hayloft.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle hosts weddings, communions, anniversaries, corporate retreats, meetings and presentations.