How to reach
Albola, or better Old Albola, rises in the territory of Radda in Chianti and it is caught up from the chief town following the indications that carry to us in the heart of the Valley of the Hung river.
History
In the Middle Ages, all of the 'Chianti' area was covered with many fortified settlements. These castles were fiefs of the many different local lords, like the counts Guidi, Trebbiesi, and the 'da Monte Rinaldi. Since 1201, after the peace of Fonterutoli, Florence has started to wield its power over the region. At the beginning of the 14th century, this territory was organized in 'Terzieri' and united in the newly formed 'Chianti League'. Albola, located on a hillock close to the sources of the river Pesa, was one of the most powerful castles of the Terziere commanded by the near town of Radda in Chianti.
The castle still looks today like a classic Tuscan mountain stronghold, with the majority of its structures dating back to the 13th or 14th century. Albola is also one of the few castles of this type that maintains traces of the external elliptical walled enclosure, at the center of which still stands the mighty and tall keep flanked by another lower building, both of medieval origin.
The original gate of the keep opens itself at the first floor level, all the complex is constructed in stone and was recently the object of a big restoration. It was also a main point of resistance during the Aragonese invasion of 1478, before it became part of the Gran Duchy of Tuscany. Today, at the centre of famous wineyards, it is a private property and seat of an agrituristical estate.