Villa Mangiacane San Casciano

Nestled in the heart of the winemaking region of Chianti Classico, Villa Mangiacane is a magnificent 15th century property built by the Machiavelli family, bearing the unmistakable hand of the Renaissance master, Michelangelo.

Located just 12km south of Florence, Mangiacane offers twenty-six individually designed rooms and suites and is set within 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves.

The private estate produces three award winning wines and a distinctive olive oil which you can taste and enjoy during your stay. The classic beauty of Mangiacane combined with its history, art, and idyllic countryside setting create the perfect backdrop for a Tuscan wedding, unforgettable holiday or exclusive rental.

Luxurious facilities complement Villa Mangiacane, including two swimming pools, unique sculpture gardens and breathtaking Tuscan views of the Duomo in Florence: a stay at Mangiacane allows for easy exploration to Florence, San Gimignano, or the magnificent city of Siena.

Come and experience our warm hospitality where you will experience the joy of modern day convenience seamlessly combined with the splendour of the Renaissance.

THE HISTORY
Villa Mangiacane is a noble and majestic villa set on a cypress shaded hill, just seven miles directly south of Florence and near the town of San Casciano. The name originated from Latin, Magna Cane, which literally translates to ‘great dog.’ The local dialect transformed the name into Italian and Mangiacane.

The dogs in which the name refers are Neopolitan mastiffs, which were originally used to guard the villa. Today the imposing stone dog sculptures atop the gate’s pillars pay homage to the history of the house.

Mangiacane dates back to the 15th century and was built for the Machiavelli family with whispers that Michelangelo himself participated in the design. In fact, because of the significance of the owners and architects, the original buildings plan for improvements are housed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

These plans include a grander palace with a new wing, designed by Giorgio Vasari “Il Giovane” (nephew of the famous architect Giorgio Vasari).

Villa Mangiacane’s fortune rose and fell over the course of two centuries. Sold by the Machiavelli family in 1645, the villa was turned over to the aristocratic family of Marchesi Mazzei who kept it until the mid 20th century.

Damaged in the last War and lying dormant for nearly fifty years, Mangiacane was revived in 2000 by a prominent businessman and entrepreneur. Upon visiting the Mangiacane estate, he was immediately convinced by its enchanting character, history and strong architectural lines.

“Seeing the Duomo framed by the arches of the villa’s loggia, in a building designed by Michelangelo, where Machiavelli wrote The Prince, was an awe inspiring moment,” he says, “Adding to the fascination is the exceptional Tuscan landscape which combines human artistry with nature’s beauty.

Under the guidance of the Florentine architect, Gianclaudio Papasogli Tacca, and international interior decorator, Ralf Krall, the new owner commissioned a multi-million dollar renovation restoring the villa to its former splendor.

Perhaps the most admirable details at the villa are found in the beautifully restored Renaissance frescos which were uncovered in the revival process.

Frescoes were often created to commemorate weddings, birthdays or other important dates for the family. Although we cannot attribute a specific event for their creation, these paintings on the loggia are of a hunting scene, possibly of the Goddess Artemis.

Set among 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves, the private villa now produces four distinguished wines. The estate’s 6,000 olive trees produce its own distinctive extra virgin olive oil and is liberally used by the kitchen to enhance the flavors of the local produce. The idea has been to produce fine modern tastes in a setting that could offer old-world hospitality to its guests.

The classic beauty of Villa Mangiacane combined with its art and idyllic Tuscan setting guarantees a brush with the historic past. At Mangiacane you will find modern day conveniences are seamlessly combined with the splendor of the Renaissance. Join us in writing the next chapter of Villa Mangiacane’s illustrious history.

PALAZZO MACHIAVELLI
Palazzo Machiavelli is an exclusive property for VIP stays. The 10 luxurious suites are divided as follows: 1 Royal Suite, 1 Machiavelli Suite, 1 Two-bedroom Suite, 4 Terrace Suites, 1 Double Room which can be connected to a Terrace Suite and 2 Deluxe Rooms.

Luxurious facilities compliment Palazzo Machiavelli: an outdoor swimming pool, SPA with indoor heated pool, sauna and steam bath, unique sculpture garden and breathtaking views of the Brunelleschi Duomo in Florence from the terrace balcony. Sleeps up to 22 people.

VILLA MAZZEI
This beautiful resort has 18 indivitually decorated double rooms and suites equipped with all amenities and comforts, an outdoor infinity pool and the Mangiacane restaurant. Sleeps up to 36 people

DINING
Villa Mangiacane offers a myriad of dining options to its guests by providing a plentiful range of options, from personal in-room meals to feasts in our exclusive restaurant.

You may enjoy a fresh breakfast served on the outdoors in fine weather overlooking the Tuscan countryside or a refreshing light lunch around the pool, where you’ll listen to the hum of the bees hard at work in the surrounding flowers and vineyards.

For dinner, you may choose the elegant restaurant or dine al fresco amidst the herb gardens. For a more intimate setting enjoy the cozy environment in our Vinoteque or private wine cellar. In winter you may enjoy the feeling of a home cooked meal around the fire in the main villa’s Olive Oil Kitchen.

If the incurable romantic in you takes over, our unassuming staff will set up intimate, candle-lit meals on request, anywhere on Mangiacane’s property. All of our dining areas encompass the spirit of Villa Mangiacane in a historic setting incomparable to any other.

Meals can range from a simple three courses to a complex tasting menu of seven. Our Chef mixes the freshest local ingredients to present meals that will surely satisfy.

He capitalizes on Tuscan ingredients such as traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina, T-bone steaks from possibly the best butcher in Tuscany, to a more simple handcrafted spaghettoni with tomatoes and basil plucked from the garden.

If your inclination is for fish, he could prepare Sicilian king prawns in honey crust on lentils and ginger sauce, accompanied by a fennel carpaccio.

And, if you are curious to learn more, join him in a private cooking class where he will lead you through the steps to create your own Tuscan feast. From simple to sophisticated, our Chef has the ability to deliver an extraordinary meal in a spectacular setting.

Villa Mangiacane’s Head Chef started his career 28 years ago in a school for hotel and catering staff in Florence. His passion for cooking started when he was very young.

His grandmother used to cook a lot every day therefore it was easy for him to learn how to make pasta and how to prepare many of the most famous Tuscan and Italian recipes. Cooking in Italy is a tradition, in fact every Sunday morning families make pasta.

Later on he worked in two Michelin starred restaurants, “Enoteca Pinchiorri” with 3 Michelin stars in Florence and in San Domenico with 2 Michelin stars in Imola.

He has also been the personal Chef for our Italian President for 3 years and Executive Chef in many of the best hotels in Florence. He has subsequently worked in Switzerland, England, Norway, USA, South Africa, and he has taught in many colleges, restaurants and hotels.

Finally, he has been working as Executive Chef for the prestigious “Villa Mangiacane for the last 4 years, during which he has had the privilege to prepare meals for very important people from Italy, international actors as George Clooney and Orlando Bloom or celebrities as Bocelli, Holyfield and the Royal Family of Monaco.

COOKING CLASSES
The objective of our cooking lessons at Mangiacane is to experience the heart and soul of Tuscany through food, history, and culture. Our cooking lessons are about much more than a list of ingredients and how to cook them. Food and wine should be enjoyed with gusto, and that can begin with the preparation of a meal.

We wish to introduce this philosophy into the cooking experience at Mangiacane for a memorable and valuable cooking lesson. Although some ingredients are basics in cooking: olive oil, butter, flour, and eggs, these ingredients are not the same in every country!

Vegetables are different not only from country to country but can even change from village to village. Italy has many varieties of artichokes that cannot be found in other parts of the world. Tomatoes will vary from northern Italy to Southern Italy and even from garden to garden.

It is true that it is often not easy to recreate the same recipe using the same ingredients, but the aim of this course is to show guests how to cook certain recipes that, in the end, translate into extraordinary meals no matter where you apply the techniques and no matter where the ingredients come from.

Our private Chef will provide suggestions on how to approach food, and use techniques that will help in the making of many recipes, not only those chosen for the lesson. Our lessons are totally interactive so questions are welcome and our techniques shared by our chef.

Depending on the weather and season, the Chef greets guests in the Olive Oil Kitchen or in the herb garden where you will begin by selecting fresh herbs that will be used during the lesson. Cooking lessons begin at 11.00 and last for approximately three hours.

This includes enjoying the lunch that participants have prepared. Guests will enjoy the hands-on experience of their preparations with the Chef and therefore have the possibility to understand each and every step: from the selection of certain ingredients through the entire cooking process, culminating in the presentation of the final dish.

The dishes and accompanying lessons are based on seasonal ingredients. Some preparations are standard: handmade gnocchi or risotto, vegetables side dishes or appetizers, or traditional meat or fish recipes.

WEDDINGS IN FLORENCE
Hosting a wedding at the 15th century Villa Mangiacane promises to fulfill your every fantasy on this most memorable of occasions. The picturesque Tuscan countryside and unique private villa provides the perfect backdrop for capturing each special memory.

Let us welcome you exclusively by accommodating your entire party, family, and friends for all the wedding festivities in an intimate surrounding.

Our team at Villa Mangiacane will assist you in organizing and arranging every aspect of such an important day. Alternatively, should you require additional assistance we will put you in touch with an exclusive wedding planner to ensure that your special day is stress free.

Villa Mangiacane has experience in arranging services for high profile and celebrity weddings that require discreet top security and special handling. Arranging for hot air balloon rides for the bride and groom and spectacular firework displays are commonplace on our private grounds.

Mangiacane allows you to customize menus to fit every taste. An intimate breakfast on the loggia, extraordinary lunch in the vineyards, or a picturesque dinner on the terrace- whatever your wish, our professional and experienced staff brings fine-dining to your fingertips.

Situated only seven miles outside of Florence and twenty minutes from the airport, Mangiacane easily accommodates people travelling from near and far. The villa has helicopter landing coordinates for those who prefer private and speedy travel.

Whatever your wish, Mangiacane promises a distinguished and superior wedding, ensuring nothing less than carefree perfection.

SPECIAL EVENTS
From product launches to corporate meetings, photo shoots to cocktail receptions, Villa Mangiacane is the perfect Tuscan venue for any type of gathering. Set within a historical and unique setting, the private luxury villa offers event planners the most personalized services guaranteeing the utmost in security and confidentiality.

Ranging from board meetings for ten to receptions accommodating up to 300, Mangiacane’s unassuming and professional staff will ensure that your event is well-organized and successful. Our chefs will work with you to produce personalized menus to cater to a variety of dietary preferences.

The Tuscan villa serves as a luxurious and private backdrop for any and all types of events. Villa Mangiacane’s close proximity to Florence – just 12 km’s south of the city center and the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, and just a twenty minute ride from Florence airport, along with helicopter landing coordinates on site, we can arrange for easy access to and from the villa.

CORPORATE EVENTS & CONFERENCES
The sheer size and facilities of the Mangiacane property make it a wonderful venue for Corporate and team building events. Our magnificent 15th Century dining room makes for a board room, while a number of dinner venues allow for private business meals.

With ample accommodation, and meeting facilities, Magiacane maintains the perfect balance between work and play in a magical Tuscan setting.

ANNIVERSARIES
Every special milestone deserves to be celebrated in style. The Mangiacane team will go out of their way to ensure you have a romantic anniversary trip in Tuscany.

Enjoy fresh roses, candlelit dinners and steaming Champagne bubble baths during the course of your stay. Slow strolls through the timeless scenery, wine tastings and spa sessions will add to your unforgettable anniversary in Italy.

FILM & PHOTO SHOOTS
The Mangiacane Property and facilities provide a magical backdrop for film and photo shoots. The intriguing eclectic mix of indoor decor and the natural splendor of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves provide a wide range of locations for films and photography.

The wine making and cooking facilities also make this food lover’s paradise ideal for cooking shows and travel destinations.

COCKTAIL PARTIES
No event is too big or small to be celebrated at Villa Mangiacane. We have facilities to cater for all occasions, and cocktail parties are no different.

Our intimate wine cellar or Barrichia provides a wonderful and cozy atmosphere for wine tastings and Tuscan aperitivos in winter, while the loggia boasts dramatic views of the surrounding Tuscan hills. Watch the sun set and the moon rise and toast to good health with a glass of prosecco.

SCULPTURE WORKSHOPS
Washington Msonza is just one of the many Shona Sculptors who have visited Villa Mangiacane over the years. Guests are able to join him and others alike in the sculpture garden for sculpture workshops. These artists will not only impart with you knowledge and history of Zimbabwean sculptur

VILLA RENTAL IN TUSCANY
In the heart of Tuscany, the intimate Villa Mangiacane offers the ultimate retreat available for exclusive rental from 2 to 65 people. An ideal spot to host any type of event, from weddings to product launches, meetings to fashion photo shoots, or a private and celebratory escape for a few, you will be assured of the sweet serenity of privacy and security.

With all of our amenities and facilities reserved solely for you and your party, our three swimming pools, complete spa facilities, and restaurant with menus made to order, Mangiacane will serve as your home in Tuscany. Our attentive staff will ensure that every request is handled with care.

Experience the luxury of privacy, the benefit of distinguished attention, and the splendor of having every element of a private home at your fingertips. This historic residence is situated just seven miles from Florence, offering sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside.

The city’s famous Duomo is visible both day and night, and as the twinkling lights of the city begin to flicker, you’ll enjoy escaping to the magnificent loggia to watch the sunset with a glass of Mangiacane’s award winning Chianti.

With privacy being an endangered concept, the desire for personal and secluded accommodation is one that we wholly understand. Combined with Mangiacane’s extraordinary views, glamorous suites, and Tuscan specialties, including wine and olive oil produced on the estate, you are promised a unique experience to make any occasion a “buon recordo” or lasting memory.

MAGNIFICIENT ART 
Villa Mangiacane showcases over 220 pieces of original Shona sculpture throughout the property which is currently one of the largest Shona Art collections in Europe. Shona sculpture is widely accepted as the most important art movement to emerge from Africa in the Twentieth Century.

Although the younger artists may choose modern themes, the striking simplicity of their pieces reveal that they too belong to this art movement that first gained international exposure in the 1950s. Prince Charles is among the many collectors.

The sculptures created in the 1950’s and 1960’s by early sculptors were primarily inspired by Shona mythology. The subject matter can be seen as continuing a rich cultural heritage that had previously been mainly folklore and ritual.

The various spirit guises, animal metamorphoses, and spiritual mediums were represented. The majority of Zimbabwean sculptors are members of the Shona tribe. They have a dual belief system, where their devout Christianity exists side by side with another, older set of religious beliefs that concern the spirit world.

LUXURIOUS SPA
The Nadushka Spa features an amazing marble interior 15-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and 3 spa individually decorated treatment rooms.

Our very own spa completes with a fully equipped gym and two exquisitely designed pools, offers tranquility and pampering for mind, body and spirit. A state of the art steam room and sauna serve to perfectly complement the range of services and amenities.

The marriage of this luxurious space and the exclusive user of holistic beauty products guarantee to provide the most rewarding luxury spa experience.

CENTURY OLD POOL
This has been present for centuries passed and was restored when the villa was purchased in 2001. It is more intimate and private, for those enjoy a peaceful pool experience in a more shaded part of the property.

INFINITY POOL
This fabulous addition to our property, it is our infinity pool which was built when the Villa was renovated and restored between 2001 and 2007.
It is a common hotspot throughout the summertime with guests due to the cubanas and sun loungers.

AMAZING VIEWS FROM THE LOGGIA
The Upper Loggia hosts sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside. It also has an unobstructed view of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the twinkling lights of Florence on clear evenings throughout the year.

THE LOWER LOGGIA
The Lower Loggia is home to the famously restored frescoes that add a Tuscan feel to the Indian-inspired furniture and African-inspired sculptures. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the views of the olive groves and the vineyards with a glass of our Estate produced wine at any time they wish.

PRIVATE DINNERS IN THE BARRICAIA
On the lower level of the villa, we have a Barricaia that stores a portion of our wine barrels. It is available to host private dinners as well as other celebrations and is joined onto our private wine cellar which may also be used for intimate dinners and events.

Rooms: 28

Price: from 342 EUR per night

Source: www.mangiacane.com