Close to Reggello, in the hills of the Valdarno and beyond the Vallombrosa forest, Castiglione della Corte is one of a series of medieval castles in the area. The centuries-old manor house, 913 metres above sea level, is today in ruins, but it’s a classic example of an 11th-century fortification.

The castle, also known as Poggio alla Regina, is located in a strategic position that dominates over the Valdisieve, the Casentino, part of the Florentine hills and the Upper Valdarno. This latter area was at the centre of conflicts between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines in the 13th century, wars that were resolved with Florence conquering and subjugating the area. The castle gradually began to lose importance and was slowly abandoned.

Experiments and archeological digs carried out starting in 1993 have revealed previous early medieval and Etruscan settlements as well as five architectural elements: part of the defense wall, access to the south side of the castle, the cassero, a well and some living quarters, all of which are anthropologically important.

Poggio alla Regina is also a place known for its legends. Its very name can be traced to a noblewoman that everyone called “the queen” (regina) and who was locked in the castle’s tower.