THE CASTLE
Mugnana Castle, situated in a picturesque valley of woods and olive groves, is close to Strada in Chianti; 16 kilometers south of Firenze.
The building is registered in the “Albo d’Onore” (Roll of Honor) of Historical Residences of Tuscany for its meticulous renovation and conservation and complete functional restoration while at the same time preserving its original monumental value.
Today the castle is a “Residenza d’Epoca” that offers guests comfortable rooms and suites, a large fully equipped kitchen at guests’ disposal and a characteristic dining room with large fireplace.
Outside guests have access to the swimming pool, panoramically positioned between olives trees, the grounds surrounding the castle, the hanging garden and a charming courtyard with an open gallery along the inner wall.
The castle is an ideal venue for weddings, functions, conventions and various types of work conferences, not only in the summer but also in the winter.
In the castle grounds there is a small chapel and a large private car park.
Well located, even the most remote Tuscan touristic destinations can be reached in a short time, Mugnana Castle an ideal holiday location to get in touch with nature and masterpieces of art.
HISTORY
Mugnana Castle is a favorite starting point for excursions in the hills and surrounding valley, the Sezzate River valley, along which there are visible remains of the ancient Roman road that connected Florence with Valdarno.
This was an important means of communication, due also to the presence of a Roman bridge near Ponte agli Stolli (Stolli Bridge) and castles such as Mugnana and Sezzate, on the opposite hill, that controlled all comings and goings.
The tower and the walls of the castle were built at the beginning of the tenth century by the Longobardi. Its strategic position made it the most important fortress, first for the Lega di Cintoia (Cintoia League) and later, for the defense of Florence. It was within the castle’s walls that in 1198 an agreement was reached that gave birth to Lega Toscana (The Tuscan League).
The fortification works are quite remarkable; a thick walled circuit with an imposing tower quarterdeck in the centre. Originally this was about sixty meters high but it was later lowered for military purposes.
In 1200 the Mugnana stronghold came into the possession of the Alamanni family and then it passed to the Bardi di Vernio family, who gave the castle its present day structure, adding the loggia (open gallery) and courtyard. Under successive ownership by the families Strozzi, Ginori Lisci and Degli Alessandri finer touches were added, such as the 17th century chapel and the external castle wall.
The castle was damaged by Siena’s allies the Aragon’s in the war against Florence (1530) and in 1896 by an earthquake.
The castle is also famous for its centuries long production of wine and oil.
Although Mugnana Castle has undergone various modifications over time its medieval characteristics have been preserved and have been the subject of many literary publications that have always greatly valued its architecture, praised its wines and appreciated the beauty of its surroundings.
TOURIST VACATION
Mugnana Castle is a “Residenza d’Epoca” open all year and can accommodate up to 25 people. In the tower and a wing of the castle are situated eight spacious, light-filled rooms sleeping 2 to 4 persons, some rooms having an adjacent living room. The tower has a lift. All of the rooms are tastefully refurbished, fully serviced and panoramic.
Guests can enjoy the grounds of the castle and the private swimming pool picturesquely situated in the midst of olive trees.
In the castle guests have at their disposal a large fully-equipped kitchen and a characteristic dining room featuring a big fireplace.
Mugnana Castle is easily reachable by car and guests have ample private parking within the grounds.
Due to its ideal geographical location daily excursions to all the main tourist destinations in Tuscany are within easy car reach: Firenze (25min.), Siena (1 hour), San Giminiano (45 min.).
The surrounding hills and mountains are ideal for all forms of nature excursions: trekking, mountain-biking, horse-riding.
On request certain activities can be arranged:
- Guided trekking
- Horse-riding excursions and lessons at a nearby stable (8 kilometers);
- Entry to Ugolino Golf Club (8 kilometers);
- Personalized tours with a professional guide (specialized in Art History);
- Cooking lessons;
- Minibus rental with driver
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS
Mugnana Castle, isolated and immersed in greenery, but at the same time close to Firenze, is an ideal venue to host weddings and receptions in an ambiance both prestigious and tranquil.
Special occasions can be organized all year round. In the summer the courtyard with loggia, hanging garden and other out-door spaces become an ideal setting for cocktails and buffets.
The large rooms inside can cater up to 200 people. During the winter they can be fully heated and are graced with a large fireplace. At night, when Mugnana is lit up, the atmosphere is magical.
In the grounds there is also a private chapel which can be used.
The castle is easily reached by car and there is plenty of parking.
Clients are free to organize special occasions with any catering company, decorating and furnishing as desired, Mugnana has no exclusivity agreements with any organization.
However the owners are able offer sound advice based on years of working experience with reliable organizations capable of satisfying any type of occasion.
Twenty-five beds are available for those who wish to spend the night, as well as the use of the rooms and services of the castle.
MEETINGS AND OTHER EVENTS
Spacious but not dispersive, isolated but close to residential areas, a medieval ambiance that can be adapted the most modern taste and event, Mugnana Castle is an ideal venue for one or two day conventions and meetings and all types of promotional events.
Mugnana has been frequently used for car presentations, (thanks also to the scenic and quiet local roads), company meetings and conferences, a set for television productions, cinema, advertising and fashion shows.
The reception rooms can host more than two hundred people seated comfortably around tables and they can be tailored to the requirements of the event and the client.
Although Mugnana doesn’t have any exclusive agreements with any organizations it does have long working relationships with companies that are able to satisfy the needs of clients for any type of event; audiovisual equipment, simultaneous translation services, hostess and wardrobe services, parking services, coffee break catering etc..
For those who wish to organize events for two or more days, Mugnana can sleep up to twenty-five people within the castle walls. The isolation and tranquility of the setting can enhance individual and group productivity, while moments of relaxation offer opportunities to explore the countryside or take a plunge in the swimming pool between sessions.
INDOOR and OUTDOOR SPACES
The reception rooms comfortably table-seat more than two hundred people and the rooms can be tailored to the requirements of the event and the client.
INDOOR:
The internal space consists of two large adjacent rooms, totaling about 200 sq. meters, which can be furbished and decorated according to the needs of the client. The rooms are well-heated and they have a fireplace.
There are also comfortable toilets and service areas for personnel.
For those who wish to sleep the night, Mugnana Castle can accommodate 25 people.
OUTDOOR:
Outside guests can use the spacious park that surrounds the castle, the hanging garden and the charming courtyard with loggia along the inner wall, which in the summer becomes an ideal setting for cocktails and buffets, and the swimming pool, positioned panoramically in an olive grove.
Due to the castle’s isolated and tranquil location it encourages individual and group productivity and it is the perfect environment in which to relax during work breaks by offering the opportunity to take a refreshing plunge in the pool or unwind by partaking in organized excursions in the surrounding woods.
Mugnana Castle is easily reached by car and has a large private car park.
The internal court
The rooms
The roof Garden
The swimmingpool