Castello di Montalto, Tuscany, Italy

26/07/2025

A dramatic sky at Montalto this evening!
(the photo is NOT AI-enhanced!)

28/12/2024

A beautiful winter day for a stroll in the countryside

10/11/2024

THE LEGEND OF SAINT MARTIN

Over the entry tower that leads into Montalto’s courtyard is a fresco painted by Antonio Palmieri in the early 1900s, depicting Saint Martin of Tours giving his cloak to a beggar.

Saint Martin is the patron saint of Montalto’s chapel 😇. The legend says that during a journey on a cold early winter day he was approached by a naked beggar, and generously gave him his own coat for warmth.

The Lord appreciated this selfless act, and to reward him brought summer back for a few days, to keep him from being cold. This gives rise to the Italian moniker “estate di san Martino” referring to a period in late autumn/early winter when the weather temporarily warms up again (in the U.S. often referred to as an “Indian summer”) ☀️

Antonio Palmieri included himself in the painting, kneeling in devotion, with his two hunting dogs and with Montalto Castle in the background. 🐕🐕

After over 100 years it is showing wear in some spots, so we're planing a complete restoration early next spring. Come visit in 2025 to see it all refreshed!

Your holidays in a real Italian Castle like an Agriturism. Ten villas and apartments for an unforgettable Tuscan experience. Best places to stay in Tuscany

01/10/2024

🌅 Wake up to a beautiful morning at Montalto Castle!

This morning from my window: the beauty of a new day at Montalto!!! the perfect blend of comfort and charm. Our self-catering houses offer stunning vistas of the Tuscan countryside, with each sunrise painting the landscape in hues of gold and amber.

A sunrise like this is a reminder that I'm in for a day of adventure and relaxation. Thank you holidays!! [Elena]

23/09/2024

FLORENCE, SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO, PIENZA, CORTONA, PERUGIA, VOLTERRA …

What do these towns have in common? They are all within an hour’s drive from Montalto Castle — perfect distance for a day-trip. 🚙 And so are the abbeys of Monte Oliveto Maggiore and the ruins of San Galgano, and countless wineries for a pleasant afternoon outing. 🍷 Your cottage at Montalto Castle in Tuscany will be the perfect home base.

Read more about the art towns and history of the area around Montalto Castle vacation rentals: https://www.montaltointoscana.com/en/art-towns-history.html. Then book your trip! ✈️

Your holidays in a real Italian Castle like an Agriturism. Ten villas and apartments for an unforgettable Tuscan experience. Best places to stay in Tuscany

31/08/2024

THE FRESCOES OF TORRE VESCOVO – THE BISHOP'S HALL ♗

The garlands, birds and Latin phrases that decorate the walls of the living room in Torre Vescovo at Montalto Castle were inspired from the dining hall of the private apartment that Agostino Patrizi Piccolomini, bishop of Montalcino and abbot of Sant’Antimo, had built for himself in the Abbey of Sant’Antimo in the 15th century.

The Latin quotations are fragments from the Odes of the Roman poet Orazio (Horace) and are not quite as pious as one would expect for a bishop... See translation in the comments!

A fire ignited by lightning in the last century blackened the walls, and after all else failed, the frieze was finally saved with the old system of rubbing down the walls with bread.

Torre Vescovo is the south wing of Montalto Castle in Tuscany; it has three bedrooms and three baths and access to the tower, and is available as a vacation rental.

21/08/2024

TORRE del VESCOVO (south wing of Montalto Castle) & its ghost

Torre del Vescovo is a two-story wing of the main castle building, including the original watchtower. It has three bedrooms and two baths, and with its frescoes and antique furniture it offers a rich medieval castle experience for your vacation rental.

A balcony with neo-Egyptian columns overlooks the valley and leads to a small study within the tower itself. This used to be the private study of Palmiero Palmieri, who inscribed above the door “Chi qui entra mi fa onore, chi non entra mi fa piacere” — meaning: "He who enters here *honors* me, he who does not enter *pleases* me." In a corner of this little room a small shelf held a skull: the remains of the nameless lady-love of an earlier Palmieri, who was poisoned by the jealous wife. Known as the Dama Blu (Blue Lady), she was said to haunt the castle until her skull was finally sent to the cemetery.👻

The private garden has a stone table and a wisteria-covered gazebo, and beautiful views over the valley below.

In my next post I will explain the meaning of the phrases on the frescoes!

13/06/2024

🍝 Embrace the culinary delights of Tuscany! 🍽️

Our self-catering holiday homes provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's gastronomic culture. Explore local markets, pick up fresh ingredients, and whip up your own Tuscan feast in the comfort of your home away from home. Or have our helpers Daniela and Martina, excellent cooks, prepare a special occasion meal for you! Indulge in the Tuscan lifestyle... Food tastes better when you're on vacation, especially in the heart of Tuscany!

04/06/2024

♰ The altarpiece in the chapel at Montalto Castle shows the Madonna and Child flanked by a franciscan monk and a bishop (possibly Saint Martin, bishop of Tours, to whom the chapel is dedicated). It was painted by Giuseppe Palmieri in 1884. 🎨 He even depicted the castle (as it was at the time) In the background on the left! Giuseppe and his son Antonio are responsible for the extensive renovation of Montalto in the 1800s—we owe this beautiful space to them.

The chapel is dedicated to St. Martin; it can hold up to 50 guests seated plus others standing in the back, and has an inlaid stone floor. ⛪

29/05/2024

Surrounded by verdant hills and breathtaking landscapes, Montalto is a perfect place to unwind and recharge. I love taking a leisurely stroll through the olive groves or hiking into the surrounding countryside, breathing in the fresh air, immersed in the beauty of the natural world. The tranquility of nature soothes the soul and rejuvenates the spirit. I really love this place!
[this is my nephew Enrico with my niece's dog Rory!]
www.montaltointoscana.com

30/04/2024

Montalto was featured in the magazine “White Sposa”! With beautiful photos by . Also see:
https://andreaskgeorgiou.com/akg-chianti-wedding-castello-di-montalto

04/04/2024

LA LOGGIA, with its advantageous position overlooking the valley, was the first fortification on the site of present-day Montalto Castle. It seems it originally was a a defensive Longobard outpost, built perhaps as early as 600 or 700 AD.

The large living/dining room has a corner fireplace to grill in the Tuscan fashion. The covered terrace offers outdoor seating for 8 and sweeping views of the fields and wooded hills.

This 4-bedroom, 4-bath apartment occupies the entire top floor of the San Giovanni building; when rented together with San Giovanni West and San Giovanni East below it, the apartments can be interconnected to accommodate up to 16 people.