History
The Castello di Gargonza rests on foundations put down by the Etruscans around 800 B.C. It was probably taken by the Romans around 300 B.C. as they consolidated their hold on the Italian peninsula. The peace of Roman times meant that there was no need for fortified castles, and for several hundred years Gargonza was the center of a grand farm, cultivating grapes, grains and olives. There are still the remains of Roman roads on the property. There has always been, and remains today, abundant game in the surrounding forests.
We can only speculate about the dark ages that followed the collapse of the empire, but by around 1100 A.D. the great families of Florence and Sienna had commenced their centuries long struggle for the control of Tuscany, then as now, the central and most beautiful part of Italy. By 1200, new walls had been built and by 1300, when Dante took refuge here to avoid the lethal politics of Florence, the mass was being celebrated in the village church. This has continued uninterrupted for more than 700 years.
Present Day
Looking very much as it did in the Renaissance, the Castello is now a forty-five-room village and conference center that is used every year by the National Geographic Society and Harvard University. We have taken the entire property for the week.
The current Count Roberto and his youngest son Neri have made the restoration of the castle their life's work. Both have become friends and admirers of our group and have promised to prepare a display of old paintings, photos and memorabilia of the castle and the family. This is something that they have never done for another group. The Castle has a Bocce ball court, swimming pool, internet access, hair dryers and laundry service. They make their own wine and olive oil on the property and are very proud of the cuisine that is served by the chef and his staff.