Chianti strongholds originate from the agglomeration of fortified structures around the parishes among which Tuscany was divided. With time these castles started increasing their political weight, therefore increasing their power towards the central authorities of the time, Siena and Florence.
To limit the authority of the lords of the castles, the Republics of Florence and Siena had to subject the families that ruled unbridled over their territories. Their ultimate aim was the submission of the whole area between the two cities. Florence in particular needed to extend its dominion southwards, to protect the southern brother which was constantly threatened by the Sienese. The Florence Commune reserved harsh treatment for landowners loyal to the Emperor and therefore allied to Siena: Radda, fief of the Guidi Counts, was conquered in the 12th century because of its strategic position; a more resolute action was taken against Semifonte, stronghold of the Alberti and of the Empire in the Val d’Elsa, which was razed to the ground in 1202. Later, other rebel families were subjected by force: in 1302 the Florentine army destroyed the Gherardini castle situated either in Montagliari or in Montegonzi, and two years later the army attacked and dismantled the two Cavalcanti castles in Chianti, Montecalvi and Le Stinche. Generally, the Republic tried to use the landowners to administrate territories on their behalf. This was the case for the Ricasoli and Firidolfi, both descendants of the same family, who owned vast territories in southern Chianti. They were gradually absorbed into the administration of municipal government, often covering the office of Commissars of the Republic in Chianti. On the other hand, Siena had to keep in check the power of the Berardenga family, whose many branches dominated the castles around Castelnuovo, a stronghold which the Republic had built expressly for this purpose. Some of these families, such as the Lords of Orgiale and Valcortese surrendered to the city’s political predominance, others moved to the city and entered into the Republic’s governing bodies, as did the Ugurgieri, descendants of Ugo Ruggieri, a Sienese citizen since 1156.
Users that read this article also found the following interesting:
- Castellina in Chianti
- Castles of Gaiole: Castello di Vertine
- Rock of Tentennano, a Troy in Tuscany
- Montemassi Castle in Maremma
- Castles of Gaiole: Castello di Brolio
