Castello di Mugnana

The Castello di Mugnana is a medieval structure located near by Chiocchio, a little village in the countryside of Greve in Chianti.
The History
The exact period of construction is uncertain, but it is known that in the fourteenth century took place the first passage of "historical" ownership, between the Amidei and the Bardi. Of great interest, in the long history of the Castle of Mugnana, is the large quadrangular tower set back from the building itself, which in the fourteenth century reached 60 meters high, but which was largely lowered to not serve as a sensitive target during the attacks. It was built as a fortification to guard one of the entrances from Rome to Florence, and dominates a valley of woods and olive trees, at the bottom of which there are still the remains of the ancient road. The castle was damaged by the Aragonese allies of Siena in the war against Florence (1530) and, in 1890, because of an earthquake. Its walls, in the middle of which there is the keep (whose construction dates back to the second half of the thirteenth century), have had many restorations.In the courtyard of the castle there is a loggia with octagonal pillars with Gothic characters in pietra serena that support the stone masonry.
Interesting Facts
The complex, as it is currently visible, resembles a large country residence rather than a castle, despite having retained some elements of the ancient use.