We were very fortunate during our few days in the Mugello area of Tuscany to have a chance to visit Cafaggiolo Castle, designed by the great Renaissance architect Michelozzo. The castle, which is closed to the public, dates back to the 14th century, and is the oldest estate of the Medici family - the driving force of Italian Renaissance in Florence. Sadly it's in need of major restoration works, and is almost totally empty. Yet walking through its large halls, wandering up and down the great staircases, exploring the enormous, cool cellars, and looking out over the elaborate landscaped gardens, we could sense the grandeur and the history that those walls bred.
