A visit to the castle of Belcaro

Among history and legend: the castle of Belcaro over the centuries

The Castle of Belcaro stands majestically on one of the hills of Siena. Surrounded by greenery, it is able to satisfy even the most demanding visitors, thanks to the well-finished environment and architecture dating back to various distant eras. The castle was built in 1190 at the behest of the Marescotti family. And there’s an intriguing legend surrounding the origin of the castle’s name. According to folklore, a Lady of the castle, waiting for her husband’s return from the war, was walking along the walls holding her child; she saw her husband on the horizon, and spread out her arms towards him, accidentally dropping the infant in the garden next to the walls. The woman then exclaimed to her husband: “Sei bello, ma mi costi caro!” (You are handsome, but you cost me dear!”). And this is why the castle was called “Belcaro”. In 1258 and 1269, the castle was partly destroyed because of the fights between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. In the fourteenth century it was turned into a nunnery, and subsequently went back to being a private residence. The turning point came in 1525, when the property was purchased by the Turamini family, who commissioned the architect Peruzzi to transform it into a manor house. Later, the castle passed into the hands of Cosimo de’ Medici, and was then bought by the Camajori family, who restored the interior of the manor in neo-Renaissance style.

The structure and works of art

Little remains of the castle’s original structure, because of the numerous raids and damage caused by popular uprisings in the 13th century. Nevertheless, it is still possible to admire the walls, whose grey stones stand out against the vivid green of the vegetation. Beyond the castle walls is the first inner courtyard, which leads to the second courtyard, overlooked by the manor house. The manor house has three floors; inside you can admire the fresco of the Judgement of Paris painted by Baldassarre Peruzzi. In the courtyard in front of the manor house is a plaque dedicated to Cosimo de’ Medici. The most interesting part of the castle, however, is the small but impressive chapel, completely painted with frescoes, which overlooks the inner garden.

A walk immersed in greenery, discovering the castle

Thanks to a series of major renovations, the castle of Belcaro is perhaps one of the best preserved castles in the city of Siena. So, during your stay in Siena, don’t miss the chance to admire this charming historic building. The castle is open to the public on the first Monday of the month and admission is free. You can visit the two squares, the garden and the small chapel. The visit continues with the lemon house and the walls, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view. Choose a sunny day when going to see the castle, so as to enjoy the garden. Less than 10 minutes drive from the castle is Villa Agostoli, which offers pleasant stays in close contact with nature. The complex of holiday homes is equipped with all the comforts you need, and is only 3 km from the centre of Siena.