Castel di Poggio, Medieval fortress in Fiesole, Italy
Castel di Poggio is a medieval fortress in Fiesole featuring an original stone tower and restored medieval buildings set within the landscape. The grounds sit within a forest of oak, chestnut and pine trees interspersed with cypress and cultivated olive groves.
The fortress was destroyed by Florence authorities in 1348 to eliminate feudal control in the area, then rebuilt by the Alessandri family in 1469. Ownership subsequently changed hands through several wealthy families over the centuries.
The property was home to several wealthy Florentine families who exercised power over the surrounding hills from this vantage point. This connection to local nobility still shapes how the place is understood today.
The property is now managed by a foundation that operates it as a cultural center and requires advance arrangements to visit. It is best to contact ahead and allow time to explore the forested grounds at a leisurely pace.
The grounds contain a blend of wild and planted trees including holm oak alongside decorative statues scattered unexpectedly among the vegetation. This mix of nature and art creates an unusual feeling where the place feels neither fully forest nor cultivated garden.
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