Ferme de Marsiliana: A Medieval Estate in Tuscany, Italy

Visitor Information

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Official Website: principecorsini.com

Country: Italy

Civilization: Medieval European, Modern

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

The Ferme de Marsiliana is located in the municipality of Marsiliana d’Albegna in Italy. Its origins trace back to the medieval period when it was established as a castle during the 1200s, within a region then dominated by the Aldobrandeschi family. This noble family played a significant role in extending their influence in southern Tuscany, and the site was part of a network of fortifications they created beginning in the 12th century to protect their territories.

In the 14th century, control of the Ferme de Marsiliana passed from the Aldobrandeschi to the Republic of Siena, a powerful city-state that expanded across much of the surrounding countryside. Later, in the mid-1500s, the estate came under the possession of the Medici family after their conquest of the area. This transition brought the site into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany’s domain following a brief interval when it was governed by the State of the Presidi, a Spanish-held territory in coastal Tuscany.

During the 18th century, ownership moved to the Corsini princes from Florence, an aristocratic family noted for their influence and wealth. At the end of the 19th century, the Corsinis undertook significant restoration efforts to renew the buildings and adapt the estate. The farmstead has remained under the Corsini family’s care since then, preserving its historical connection to Florence and Tuscany’s evolving political landscape.

Remains

The Ferme de Marsiliana is organized around a central square tower constructed in medieval times using stone masonry. This tower, with its battlements crowning the top, illustrates the site’s original defensive purpose. The battlements consist of alternating raised sections and openings, designed to offer protection to defenders while allowing them to observe and repel attackers.

Adjacent to the tower stands the main manor house, which rises across several floors. Its exterior walls are coated with plaster, a renovation mainly reflecting the modifications made after the 18th century. The rectangular windows punctuate the walls with a regular pattern, indicating the residential character of this building as it was adapted for noble habitation beyond its military origins.

Within the complex, a small church once served as a private chapel for the estate’s owners. This religious building holds a distinctive character, demonstrating its role as a place of worship closely tied to the noble family residing at Marsiliana.

On the opposite end from the manor, a collection of buildings constructed with stone walls once formed a small village clustered around the castle. Over time, these structures were transformed to support agricultural activities and currently serve as private homes. Their adaptation from communal medieval dwellings to farm-related use reflects the evolving function of the site through the centuries.