Panzalla Castle has remote origins dating back to ancient Rome. A Roman centurion, Pantius, received many hectares of land for his retirement and built his 'Aula' (house) on a hill. In Latin, Pantius' house was known as 'the Pantius-Aula' (the house of Pantius). With the centuries, Pantius-Aula's name was altered to become 'Panzalla', the current name of the castle. During the Middle Ages, the property came into the possession of the Buondelmonti family, and the house was transformed into one of the many family castles. The oldest remaining part of the building was constructed in this period and still stands today. In the course of the centuries, the castle history has been intertwined with that of the 'Florentine Republic', then with the 'Tuscan Grand-Duchy', and finally, with the 'Kingdom of Italy'. Most recently, the castle was owned by the counts, Miari Pelli Fabbroni, who gave the house the name 'Villa Fabbroni'. The Fabbroni family renovated the villa in nineteenth century style and made it their hunting cottage. When Florence was the capital of Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II was a guest at the villa. The land surrounding the castle was rich with game and fruitful vineyards, which produced a wine very similar to 'Bordeaux'. Situated in the oldest part of the villa where wine was once fermented in large chestnut barrels is the restaurant, 'Villa Fabbroni'. The restaurant is reserved exclusively for our guests. Swimming-pool 10 x 5 mt large; depth 1,5 mt all over. The pool is open from 1 May until 30 September. The specialties of our region, including homemade pasta, roasts, and game, are served to our guests in the ambience of a typical Tuscan wine cellar with arched brick ceilings and stone walls. Discover the flavours of another era in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is open for dinner on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the rest of the week, the restaurant is open upon request (minimum 10 people). Pizza Tuesday evening. WIRELESS internet connection free of charge (normal speed) at the property, please carry your portable! Laundry room to share, with 2 washing-machines.
Distances: Villa Fabbroni is 4 km far from San Polo village (grocery, post office, bank with ATM and also bus to Greve and Florence). The “Loggia? apartment (100 sqm) embodies the perfect harmony of modern and antique style. It is composed of a large living room with fireplace and kitchen (equipped with an oven and a dishwasher), 3 double bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with shower. Special features of this apartment include wood-beam ceilings and furnishings in synchrony with the atmosphere. The private garden is complete with garden furniture.
