The Castello di Santa Maria Novella is a remarkable historic estate dating back to 964. Located in the municipality of Certaldo, Tuscany, the Castello stands as the region's tallest fortified estate. It commands breathtaking views between Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and on a clear day Pisa
THE
CASTELLO
CASTELLO
The Castello di Santa Maria Novella is the oldest stronghold in the area. Its tower guarded the frontier between Florence and Siena for centuries.
In 1479, Sienese and Neapolitan forces seized the castle and burned it to the ground. What emerged from those ashes was transformation. In the fifteenth century, the Carnesecchi family rebuilt and reimagined the Castello, converting it from a defensive stronghold into an elegant fortified residence. Their marble nameplate, still visible at the entrance, marks three centuries of stewardship. What was built for war became a seat of refinement.
Through centuries of ownership that followed, the Castello has been shaped by survival and restoration. The Franceschi Gallettis restructured its interiors in the nineteenth century, adorning ceilings with delicate frescoes. The main door still bears the marks left by German forces during World War II. Yet the architecture endures. Multiple towers, mullioned windows, and crenellated coping in gothic style remain as testament to the Castello's refusal to be erased.
In 1479, Sienese and Neapolitan forces seized the castle and burned it to the ground. What emerged from those ashes was transformation. In the fifteenth century, the Carnesecchi family rebuilt and reimagined the Castello, converting it from a defensive stronghold into an elegant fortified residence. Their marble nameplate, still visible at the entrance, marks three centuries of stewardship. What was built for war became a seat of refinement.
Through centuries of ownership that followed, the Castello has been shaped by survival and restoration. The Franceschi Gallettis restructured its interiors in the nineteenth century, adorning ceilings with delicate frescoes. The main door still bears the marks left by German forces during World War II. Yet the architecture endures. Multiple towers, mullioned windows, and crenellated coping in gothic style remain as testament to the Castello's refusal to be erased.
THE
SURROUNDS
SURROUNDS
The Castello di Santa Maria Novella sits 35 kilometres southwest of Florence, surrounded by 125 hectares ancient woodlands, olive groves and vineyards. From its elevated position, the view commands the entire landscape: Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano.
The vines and olives have sustained the estate for centuries, their cultivation woven into the Castello's rhythm and purpose. This is the high ground of Tuscany, where what was built for defence now offers clarity of sight across the entire region.
THE
WINE
WINE
Theorganic wines that we cultivate and nurture on the historic estate of theCastello di Santa Maria Novella reflect the character and traditions of theTuscan landscape. Rooted in more than a thousand years of history, they areproduced with care and respect for the land and its community. Each bottle is atrue expression of Tuscany's heritage.
These wines are offered en-primeur. A deposit of 10% of thepurchase price secures your allocation, with the balance due on delivery. Plus delivery costs.
The 2025 vintage is now available en-primeur.
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THE
PRODUCE
PRODUCE
CONTACT
US
US
ADDRESS
CASTELLO DI SANTA MARIA
NOVELLA
Certaldo, Tuscany
Via Santa Maria Novella
NOVELLA
Certaldo, Tuscany
Via Santa Maria Novella
Email
wines@castellosmn.com
