Castello di Montalto in Chianti
Photos
At a glance
- Region
- Tuscany
- Province
- Siena (SI)
- Town
- Castelnuovo Berardenga
The castle of Montalto stands in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, east of Siena, in the area known as «la Berardenga», in Chianti. Much of the structure is of medieval origin, with some parts earlier than the 11th century. It should not be confused with the castles of the same name at Montalto Dora (Turin) and Montalto Pavese (Pavia).
History
The origins
The tower was probably erected by the Lombards in the 6th or 7th century; the main part of the castle was built towards the end of the first millennium by the descendants of Winigi, the first Salian count of Siena under the Franks in the 9th century, and of his son Berardo, from whom the Berardenga takes its name. The earliest record of the manor dates to the 11th century; a census of 1202 counts over 40 families in the curtis.
The battle of Montalto
Because of its position on the border between Siena and Florence, the castle was involved in the wars between the two cities (1201-1553). In June 1208 the so-called battle of Montalto took place: the chroniclers give differing accounts of its causes, but the outcome was heavy for Siena and the castle was almost entirely destroyed; the Florentines captured over 1,200 prisoners.
From the 14th to the 19th century
The castle came under the control of Siena and suffered repeated attacks and sieges, including by mercenaries; it withstood a siege in 1479. In 1546 it was ceded to Giovanni Palmieri and in 1553 it was set on fire by the Florentine and imperial armies. After the end of hostilities (1555), Francesco and Scipione Palmieri restored it (1570-1572) with Renaissance embellishments; Montalto became the Palmieri family’s country residence. In the mid-19th century Giuseppe Palmieri promoted new restorations in the neo-Gothic style.
Layout
The complex preserves the medieval layout with the tower, the 16th-century restorations (such as the portico on the courtyard) and the 19th-century neo-Gothic works. The chapel was rebuilt in the 16th century and the hall was decorated between 1570 and 1587 with frescoes depicting the castle’s estates and scenes of daily life.
Where it is
In the territory of Castelnuovo Berardenga (province of Siena, Tuscany), east of Siena, in the historic area of the Berardenga.
Practical information
Tickets and where to buy them
The sources consulted list no regular tickets or guided tours (to be confirmed).
Opening days and hours
To be confirmed.
Where to eat
No indication in the sources consulted (to be confirmed); for restaurants, ask in the nearby centres of Castelnuovo Berardenga and San Gusmè.
Parking and services
To be confirmed.
Accessibility and other information
Ownership status and access arrangements: to be confirmed. Ask the Comune di Castelnuovo Berardenga for information before setting out.
Opening hours, prices and services change often: before visiting, call the official number or check the castle’s website. Last checked: November 2026.
How to get there
Source: Castelli, Rocche e Fortificazioni in Italia (Facebook)
