Castello di Calenzano: A Medieval Tuscan Stronghold

Explore a classic Tuscan castle with well-preserved medieval fortifications and a unique historical figurine museum, just outside Florence.

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Castello di Calenzano

The Castello di Calenzano, a well-preserved medieval castle in the hills northwest of Florence, offers visitors a glimpse into Tuscany's fortified past. With its oval layout, towering walls, and the Historical Figurine Museum within, it's a unique cultural and historical experience.

A brief summary to Castello di Calenzano

Via Oriolo, Calenzano, Metropolitan City of Florence, 50041, IT
+3905588331
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Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle grounds have uneven terrain and cobblestone paths.
Visit during the late afternoon for beautiful views and fewer crowds.
Check the schedule for events or guided tours to enhance your visit.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Florence, take a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pratignone. The train journey takes approximately 22-25 minutes, with trains departing hourly. From Pratignone station, Castello di Calenzano is approximately a 20-30 minute walk uphill. Alternatively, from the Pratignone train station, you can take a bus. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A train ticket from Florence to Pratignone costs between €1-€4. Bus tickets can be purchased via the Autolinee Toscane app.
Driving

From Florence, take the A1 highway towards Bologna and exit at Calenzano/Sesto Fiorentino. Follow the signs for Calenzano and then for Castello di Calenzano. Once in Calenzano, follow Via Oriolo to reach the castle. Parking is available near the castle in designated parking areas, including Piazza il Prato, Piazza Vittorio Veneto and near the cemetery. Parking fees may apply. Consider using the Villa Costanza parking area and take the tram into Florence. Parking at Villa Costanza is €0.50 for the first hour, €2 from 1 to 4 hours, €5 from 4 to 10 hours, and €7 from 10 to 24 hours.

Discover more about Castello di Calenzano

Nestled in the hills northwest of Florence, the Castello di Calenzano stands as a testament to Tuscany's rich medieval history. The fortified village, perched on a hill about 200 meters high, maintains its characteristic oval layout, complete with imposing walls visible from all directions. Built by the Counts Guidi in 1191, the castle strategically controlled key communication routes connecting the Florentine plain to the Mugello region. Over the centuries, control of Calenzano passed to Florence, transforming the castle into a vital strategic point. The castle's defenses were expanded, particularly after damage inflicted by various military campaigns in the 14th century, resulting in the three defensive walls, much of which are still visible today. Key features include the Southern Gate (Porta Sud or Portaccia) with its pointed arch and tower, and the Upper Gate (Porta di Sopra or Porta del Serraglio). Within the castle walls, visitors can explore the remains of the Podesteria (13th-century seat of local government) and a small, ancient church. The 15th-century Palazzo del Podestà, later Villa Arrighetti, is also well-preserved. A highlight is the Museo Comunale del Figurino Storico, one of Europe's most important historical figurine museums. The castle also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating local traditions with food fairs and art exhibitions.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Castello dell'Imperatore

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Porta al Prato

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Victory Square

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Piazzale Montelungo

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Piazza Vittorio Veneto

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Porta Santa Maria Novella

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Palazzina Reale di Santa Maria Novella

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Via Curtatone, 9

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Platform 16 Holocaust Deportation Memorials

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Piazza della Indipendenza, 2

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Stazione Ferroviaria Firenze Santa Maria Novella

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Stazione Ferroviaria Firenze Santa Maria Novella

P.za della Libertà

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Tabernacolo di Santa Rosa..

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Porta di San Frediano

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Chiostro Grande di Santa Maria Novella

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Unmissable attractions to see

Parco del Neto

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Statua del Demonio

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Cascate del Rimaggio

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Tomba della Mula

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Rio Buti

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Fonte Buia

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Villa di Castello

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Villa medicea della Petraia

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dell`arno river park

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Ponte all'Indiano

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Balloon Team Italy

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Badia A Settimo

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Villa Medici in Poggio a Caiano

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Parco delle Cascine

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Parco dei Renai

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Essential places to dine

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La Piadina di Casa Maioli - Santa Maria Novella

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La Piadina di Casa Maioli - Santa Maria Novella

Trattoria Osteria Dall'Oste SMN

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Ristorante Belcore

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Ristorante La Reggia Degli Etruschi

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Winter Garden Restaurant

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iO - Osteria Personale

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Il Vezzo

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Trattoria Sostanza

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Le Cappelle Medicee Restorante

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Ristorante Storico Sabatini

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Osteria la Scala

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La Boutique del Sud Firenze San Marco

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Ristorante Retro '

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Burro & Acciughe

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Castello di Calenzano: A Medieval Tuscan Stronghold

A brief summary to Castello di Calenzano

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Driving

Unlock the Best of Castello di Calenzano

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Castello di Calenzano

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Castello dell'Imperatore

Porta al Prato

Victory Square

Piazzale Montelungo

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Porta Santa Maria Novella

Palazzina Reale di Santa Maria Novella

Via Curtatone, 9

Platform 16 Holocaust Deportation Memorials

Piazza della Indipendenza, 2

Stazione Ferroviaria Firenze Santa Maria Novella

P.za della Libertà

Tabernacolo di Santa Rosa..

Porta di San Frediano

Chiostro Grande di Santa Maria Novella

Unmissable attractions to see

Parco del Neto

Statua del Demonio

Cascate del Rimaggio

Tomba della Mula

Rio Buti

Fonte Buia

Villa di Castello

Villa medicea della Petraia

dell`arno river park

Ponte all'Indiano

Balloon Team Italy

Badia A Settimo

Villa Medici in Poggio a Caiano

Parco delle Cascine

Parco dei Renai

Essential places to dine

Trattoria Dall'oste

La Piadina di Casa Maioli - Santa Maria Novella

Trattoria Osteria Dall'Oste SMN

Ristorante Belcore

Ristorante La Reggia Degli Etruschi

Winter Garden Restaurant

iO - Osteria Personale

Il Vezzo

Trattoria Sostanza

Le Cappelle Medicee Restorante

Ristorante Storico Sabatini

Osteria la Scala

La Boutique del Sud Firenze San Marco

Ristorante Retro '

Burro & Acciughe

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Curiosities Firenze

Galleria Commerciale Santa Maria Novella

Best Shopping

Michelangelo Florentine Leather

Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Negozio di Produzione artigianale Firenze - Domo Firenze

VEXUS - Florence Art Gift

Glam Di Masi Allegra

Lady Queen

Bottega Giotti Leather Goods

Officina vintage

Jimmy's Leather Collection

Art & Fashion Vintage

Marco Leather Factory

Vintage Shop

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

AL MIO BAR

Panella - Firenze Santa Maria Novella

The Joshua Tree Pub

PanicAle