Every place in the Tuscan landscape carries traces of culture going back through the centuries. The Castello degli Alberti, in the heart of the Chianti region, is a significant example. It lies just 35 km from Florence, not far from the town of Castelfiorentino, along the old Via Francigena, an ancient trail used from medieval times by the pilgrims from England and France on their way to Rome. It was founded in the XIIIth century, when a noble and powerful family from Certaldo, the Conti Alberti, chose this place to be the centre of the Court of Val D'Elsa and built a castle there. In succeeding centuries it was transformed into an elegant aristocratic villa, but there still remains traces of the original square tower and of the walls next to the villa. Il Castello has been recently renovated to provide all the charm and uniqueness of a historic home, without changing the atmosphere of an aristocratic villa. It has also been equipped with all the latest modern conveniences to satisfy even the most demanding clients: air-conditioning, hydro massage baths, satellite TV, telephone with Internet connection, laundry with washing-machine, dishwasher, freezer, microwave oven, DVD and VHS players. In the garden there is a swimming-pool (10 x 5m), situated on the ramparts of the castle, and with an area shaded by a loggia, the lemon-house converted into a living-room with terrace, and the 13th century chapel. The domestics (who live in an apartment on the first floor with independent access) clean the bedrooms and the bathrooms daily and prepare the continental breakfast 7 days a week between 9.00 and 12.00 in the morning. On request are available: cook, babysitter and further domestic help. Il Castello is recommended for family groups with not more than 4 children less than 12 years old.