The Castle of Meleto has one captivating attraction. Other castles have an imposing, powerful shape. Brolio and Cacchiano for example emerge clear and large, giving the impression of binding and subjugating the hill. When you get there, you come up against a part with large corner towers which seems to be leaning against you but immediately afterwards, as if to apologize for this severe impact, it grows lighter ending in a small terrace-garden facing the vineyards and is there waiting for the first shot by the film troupe of a Visconti film which will never be made.
The Castle of Meleto is also captivating because, different from other more impressive structures, it has maintained an aesthetic coherence even if what we see toady is the product of several modifications in the course of time. This castle takes us back to the times of Federico Barbarossa who gave it to the Firidolfi family, from then on known as the Firidolfi Meletesi.
The two corner towers, one of which still preserves its rare trussed top with brick arches, date back to a partial 15th century reconstruction while the central keep, which in this case seems to be embedded and protected between the towers, belongs to the original plan. This Florentine castle which was reconquered by the Sienese and then taken back by the Florentine, went towards a period of peace from the 16th century onwards, when going against its own nature, it gradually became a rich, family villa as is visible in the interior, decorated in 18th century taste with abundant stuccoes and and frescos reminiscent of country life.
–
See also:

Monna Lisa’s House, Montefienali: The Return from Oblivion, Farmhouses in Chianti, Brolio Castle, or ‘dei Firidolfi Ricasoli’, The Church of San Polo

or go back to Houses of Chianti