Around Greve, the landscape is dotted with castles and historic villas that tell of centuries of history, including defensive architecture, noble residences and Italian gardens.
Perched on a hill that opens onto a wide panorama, Verrazzano Castle traces its origins to a likely settlement from Roman times.
In the past, it belonged to the family of the famous explorer and navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano.
Over time, the building lost its defensive function to become a farm then a manor house. With 19ᵗʰ-century renovations, it regained its present spectacular appearance, characterized by its turreted profile and complemented by its Italian garden.
Villa Vignamaggio was built by the Gherardini family in the 14ᵗʰ century and is now a wine estate with agriturismo.
Tradition has it that this was once the home of Lisa Gherardini, the Mona Lisa portrayed by Leonardo da Vinci, hence why the villa is also known as the Villa of the Mona Lisa.
In the 1990s, the property was chosen as a film set for Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 film Much Ado About Nothing, based on William Shakespeare’s play.
Also known as Vico de’ Lombardi, a name that recalls its Lombard origins, Vicchiomaggio Castle is first cited in documentation from 857.
Over the centuries, it belonged to prominent families, including the Buondelmonti and later the Scolari clans.
Of the original structure, a dizzying 13ᵗʰ-century tower crowned by a gallery that can be viewed to this day today.
The rest of the complex was converted into a villa in the 16ᵗʰ century, a period to which the present Italian garden also dates, defining its more elegant and residential appearance.
These properties form part of wineries that, by reservation only, open their doors to the public for tours and other experiences.
