Marliano: Villas, Churches and Landscape

Historic villas, churches and an agricultural landscape are the main themes to consider when exploring Marliano as a travel destination. I Colli di Marliano is a large agricultural estate, while Villa Le Sorti has a long history of construction and use; churches and works of art add a religious dimension to these stories.

Estate and Landscape

The 85-hectare I Colli di Marliano estate is located in the Chianti production hills of Lastra a Signa. Villa Le Sorti is a separate property, surrounded by 57 hectares of land with woodland, a lake and olive groves. The area figures refer to different named places and do not make up a combined total. I Colli di Marliano is notable for its size and agricultural setting, while Villa Le Sorti is distinguished by its surrounding woodland, lake and olive groves.

Villas with Different Histories

The first section of Villa Le Sorti was built at the end of the 14th century and completed around the 15th century. The estate was initially used as a monastery and later as an aristocratic residence. Its private chapel recalls its monastic past. In recognition of its historical significance, Villa Le Sorti is one of the historic buildings in Lastra a Signa. Its construction, successive uses and chapel each offer different insights into the estate’s history.

Another notable building is Villa Schupfer, formerly Pandolfini, in Marliano. It is protected as a historic monument. The original protection order dates from 4 August 1938 under Law 364/1909; a later measure was taken on 25 September 2008 under Law 42/2004. These two dates mark separate steps in the history of its heritage protection.

Churches and Art

S. Maria a Marliano is a parish church in Lastra a Signa. The Chiesa Santa Maria a Marliano in Località Marliano is protected as cultural heritage; the relevant measure dates from 23 March 1998. A precious tabernacle door, dating from the 15th century, depicts Christ in the Pietà. It was formerly in the Chiesa SS Maria e Lorenzo a Marliano and is now kept in the Church of San Pietro in Selva in Malmantile. Malmantile is the relevant place name for its current location, while Marliano is associated with the work’s former origin.

The Enrico Caruso Museum in Villa Bellosguardo is located elsewhere in Lastra a Signa, not in Marliano. Its collection includes antiques, historical photographs, personal belongings, stage costumes and old recordings of the tenor. Visitors can also hear Caruso’s voice during the interactive tour.

Events at Villa Le Sorti

For more than 15 years, Villa Le Sorti has offered the opportunity to organise weddings, ceremonies and events there. If you are considering the villa for an occasion like this, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Incisa In Val D'arno, Figline Valdarno, Gavena, Le Quattro Strade, Vaglia, Barberino Di Mugello, Greve In Chianti, Massarella

For the main travel overview: Florence.