Castello di Brolio
Castello di Brolio is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Chianti audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~120 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type castle
- Suggested visit ~120 min
- Chianti Chianti guide
About Castello di Brolio
Castello di Brolio, the castle of the Ricasoli family on a wooded hill near Gaiole, with great stone bastions, a red-brick palace of the nineteenth century, and vineyards all around.
The Ricasoli family has been recorded at Brolio since 1141. The castle stood on the frontier between Florence and Siena and was taken more than once; after 1478 its walls were rebuilt with pentagonal bastions. In the nineteenth century Baron Bettino Ricasoli, prime minister of Italy, rebuilt the palace and set out the roles of the grapes in Chianti wine.
The castle, its gardens and the chapel are visited with a ticket; the interiors are seen on guided tours, best booked. Hours are shorter from late October, and the castle closes in the depth of winter. The wine shop below is open all year.
Did you know? The Ricasoli family has been recorded at the Castello di Brolio, on the old frontier between Florence and Siena, since 1141, almost nine hundred years ago.
How long should you spend at Castello di Brolio?
Plan about ~120 min at Castello di Brolio. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Castello di Brolio worth visiting?
Castello di Brolio is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Chianti, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Chianti
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Castello di Brolio and read more:
Day 1 of the Chianti in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Castello di Brolio
Preview the Chianti tour free in the Gingerguide app.