Castello Villanova, Medieval castle in Barberino di Mugello, Italy.
Castello Villanova is a medieval castle featuring a rectangular tower that was converted into a bell tower, along with preserved stone walls and two main gates. The structure sits within a fortified perimeter that once served as a defensive settlement in the Mugello region.
The Ubaldini family held control of this fortress around 1250, establishing its early medieval character. The Bettini family later took over, and in 1611 Marquis Ottavio Gerini purchased the property, beginning a new chapter in its development.
The chapel dedicated to Saint James within the castle walls reflects the spiritual role this place held for its community. Walking through these spaces today, visitors can sense how religious and secular life once coexisted in this fortified settlement.
The castle can be reserved for events such as weddings and conferences with spaces accommodating up to 200 people. Visitors should note that access depends on private events scheduled at the venue, so it is best to contact ahead to confirm visiting opportunities.
This property underwent multiple transformations, functioning as a fortress, then a school, later a convent, and now as an events space. Such varied uses over time have left traces in the building's layout and decoration that reveal how its purpose shifted across centuries.
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