Castello di Meleto, Medieval castle in Gaiole in Chianti, Italy.
Castello di Meleto is a castle in Gaiole in Chianti with an irregular square layout reinforced by cylindrical towers and thick defensive walls surrounding a central keep that overlooks the Chianti valleys. The estate includes winemaking operations on its grounds, producing wines using methods characteristic of the region.
The castle first appeared in written records during the 11th century under the care of the Benedictine monastery Badia a Coltibuono. Later it passed to the Firidolfi family, marking how the region shifted under different political powers.
The castle shows its transformation from a military fortress into a noble home, particularly visible in the valuable interior rooms you see while walking through. Visitors can experience how this shift shaped the way the spaces are arranged and decorated.
The estate is spread across a large area and requires good walking shoes to explore the different sections and vineyards. The best time to visit is in the warmer months when the countryside surrounding the property is most alive.
The grounds contain a Bee Park that demonstrates the relationship between beekeeping and viticulture while supporting local biodiversity. This combination is unusual and shows a thoughtful approach to living and working on a historic estate.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
