In the heart of the ancient feud of the Guidi counts, then of the Bishops of Florence, at the foot of Monte di Croce, stands this imposing manor, once an outpost of feudal power in the countryside of these lands. Its origins date back to the 12th century, it was owned by the Saltarelli family, local lords and notaries who then emigrated to Florence, who expanded the original structures of what is now the central core, turreted and embattled. In the 15th century the interior was embellished with arcades and loggias according to the Renaissance style and taste, while on the outside the walled perimeter was in turn surrounded by massive stone bastions. All this is almost certainly due to the new owners of the time, the Pazzi, whose insignia - two dolphins facing each other - still mark the castle today. The nearby chapel, of medieval origin, is dedicated to S. Maria Maddalena de 'Pazzi who stayed here in the 16th century. Legend has it that after the failure of the conspiracy of 1478 hatched by the family against the Medici, the famous conspiracy of the Pazzi which cost the life of Giuliano brother of Lorenzo, Torre a Decima became their refuge. Completely restored after the war, the complex now suffers from neglect and is gradually deteriorating.
Translated by Google •
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