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The bronze age
The earliest news about Grignano date back to the Bronze Age.
Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed the remains of a settlement
belonging to a family of shepherds of a certain social status.
One can witness the remains of decorated pottery found in the premises.
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Etruscan and Roman era, fortifications
Over the centuries, the site acquires the features of both a Etruscan and
Roman fortification. Of particular note are the remains of a Roman Bridge in
fact, Vico Bridge, on the road from Arezzo to Fiesole and then get to Florence.
In Roman times it was called Grignano di Vico Castle.
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Middle Ages, estates of the Guidi family
The fortification in the Middle Ages became the residence of the
Guidi family, the last outpost of a family hostile to the rulers of Florence.
The Guidi own the Castle of Vico (Grignano) until June 1289, date of
the battle of Campaldino.
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1289, Battle of Campaldino
In the summer of 1289 the Florentine army, moving toward Casentino,
to fight the battle of Campaldino, conquered the fortress of Grignano driving back
the Guidi Counts to Romagna.
"The access routes to the Casentino were inaccessible, guarded by enemy
castles like the Castle of Vico (Grignano), Castel San Nicolò, Montemignaio, Romena.
The morning of June 2, the Guelfi took this decision: forded the Arno
between Rovezzano and Varlungo and headed Pontassieve ... ".
From that moment Grignano become a possession of Florence who first
ravaged the ancient fortification of the Guidi family. The Florentines eventually
alternated its use by granting it to the Curia and to the Abbey of
Vallombrosa.
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1400, de' Medici family
Grignano definitely falls into the hands of Florence around the end of '400,
period in which the Medici family dominate Tuscany.
In 1500 the premises become personal property of Catherine de Medici
(1519-1589), senior female member of the family.
Catherine was the niece of Pope Clement VII. She was married to the Dauphin of France,
destined then to become Queen when her husband ascended the throne as
Henry II of France.
On her trip across the Alps, Catherine surrounds herself with Florentine artist,
including the Bishop Marquis Enrico Gondi, her personal confessor and
banker. In a sign of gratitude, Catherine bequeathed him with
a castle in France and the possession of the Grignano Estate.
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1500-1971, The Gondi summer estates,
birth of the Fattoria di Grignano
Until 1971 Grignano remained property of the Gondi family whom built in
these premises their summer residence. The Gondi also made a series of
expansions and renovations in the late Renaissance.
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1972, The Inghirami family purchases the estate
In the early '70s, the Fattoria di Grignano (the villa and the entire estate) was
acquired by the Inghirami family of Sansepolcro, one of the most recognizable
names in Italian fashion.
As of 1999 The old Pievecchia farm becomes part of Grignano estate.
The villa, which owes its name to the nearby medieval church, arose around a
central core (once owned by the Abbey of Vallombrosa) represented by the
characteristic tower.
Currently the Fattoria di Grignano is a dynamic and historic farm dedicated
to the production wine and oil; covering 600 hectares of which 50 are vineyards,
olive groves 200, 100 arable and 250 woodland.