A dive in an ancient culture in the heart of Tuscany and precisely in the "Chianti Classico". A village of white stone that was born around year 1000, surrounded by woods, olive groves and vineyards, immersed in a magical atmosphere of tranquillity. Special attention goes to the swimming pool of irregular shape built with special criteria and with unique panorama, and the works of art inserted into the property- by the owners artists.

Brief History
The castle or better, fortified village of Vertine lies in the north-east of the Chianti region, sheltered by a range of hills, the "Monti del Chianti", which constitute the watershed with the valley of river Arno.There are many castles in this area, which was part of Medieval League of Chianti, a Florentine bulwark on frontier with Sienese Territory Feudal presence has always been strong in the area, and the Castle of Vertine, like the nearby Montegrossi and Brolio is mentioned in documents from before the year 1000.
The castle of Vertine became the largest walled village in this area. By the 13th century the castle was in the hands of the Ricasoli family, Florentine governors of the area, who tookup residence there on more than one occasion. Vertine was fortunate to escape serious consequences of war siege or sacking and so shows no trace of the destruction and reconstruction which have so altered many other Medieval villages. In the 16th century the fortifications where restored and strengthened whitout great change to their appearance. The outer walls are still almost intact today. On them stands a splendid rectangular tower, the ancient Keep, one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Tuscany.
By tower is the north gate; this and the twin south gate are still today the only entrances to the village. The same finely worked stones used for the walls and the keep can also be seen in the internal structures. With its narrow streets, Vertine has tipically Medieval Atmosphere which brings the visitorback into contact with the past.

Activities and services:
Bed & Breakfast
Rent castle, cottage, swimming pool
Courses
Ayurveda massage, yoga, foot reflexology
Cerimonies, parties, filming or advertisements

The castle:
Ground floor – Sitting room, kitchen dining room opening onto the large beautiful terrace, at the foot of the tower, with pergola with table and chairs for outdoor dining.

First floor - Studio, sitting room with fireplace, sitting room with fireplace and satellite TV. One double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and separate tub, one twin bedrooms with en-suite bathroom with shower and tub.

Second floor - One twin bedrooms with en-suite bathroom with tub and hand shower. One double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with tub and hand shower.

Tower - One double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with tub and hand shower.

Cottage - Both levels are accessible form the garden and are also connected internally. Higher ground level: One double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and access to large terrace. Lower ground level: kitchen, sitting room with double sofa bed, bathroom with shower.

Rooms:
Sleeps: 10+2
Castle (sleeps 10), 3 double bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms, 5 bath or shower rooms, guest wc.
Cottage (sleeps 2), 1 double bedroom, 2 shower rooms.

Services:
* Swimming pool
* Garden with sculptures
* Internet connection
* Telephone landline for incoming calls
* TV - Hi-Fi
* Barbecue
* Kitchen
* Dishwasher
* Microwave oven
* Washing machine
* Closest Bar 200 mt. - Restaurant 2,5 km - Shops 2,5 km, - Tennis 2,5 km - Riding school 10 km - Golf 28 km.

Accommodations available:

Double: 6 -

Services Available:

Activities:

Location : Castello Vertine, 15, Castello Vertine - Gaiole in Chianti (Siena)
Satellite coordinates: Lat. 43.4724997 - Lon.43.4724997

Reaching Castello di Vertine

PRICE INCLUDE:
* Cleaning 3hr/day, 3 days/week.
* Linen and towels changed every week; water, power e gas.

PRICE DO NOT INCLUDE:
* Extra cleaning (on request at Euro 15.00 per hour)
* Extra towels (available at Euro 8.00 per person)
* Extra bed linen (available for Euro 8.00 per bed)
* Central heating is charged according to usage.

Please contact Castello di Vertine for more information about availability and rates

Castello di Vertine : Workshop in Terre di Siena

WORKSHOP EVENTS IN TERRE DI SIENA

WHERE:
CASTELLO DI VERTINE - GAIOLE IN CHIANTI - SIENA

LA STRUTTURA:
A dive in an ancient culture in the heart of Tuscany and precisely in the "Chianti Classico". A village of white stone that was born around year 1000, surrounded by woods, olive groves and vineyards, immersed in a magical atmosphere of tranquillity. Special attention goes to the swimming pool of irregular shape built with special criteria and with unique panorama, and the works of art inserted into the property- by the owners artists.

Artistic glasswork: Marisa Casale
Spring / Summer / Autumn 
In the 6 days of course, the main subject of study will be the old technique of stained glass windows. Each participant will design a simple project in glass, which they will work on in the following days; learning to cut the necessary portions out of colored glass sheets to size, to piece them together with lead, following the process to its conclusion, finishing with a work of art in glass.
The glass sheets we will work with have diverse colours and textures, after the different technical methods of production and most of them are imported from France or Germany or Poland, where stained glass windows are still largely diffused. in cui si descrivono le varie fasi di costruzione e s’indicano gli strumenti adatti, nonché una nutrita bibliografia.
All the tools used by participants, including glass cutter, glass pliers, and soldering irons, will remain in their keeping, perhaps, hopefully, for future use. The course will be accompanied by notes in which the various phases will be amply described, tools indicated, as well as a bibliography. During the seminar, if there is time and the desire to do so, a visit can be arranged to the large window Duccio di Buoninsegna, in XIV c., built for the Duomo, which has been recently restored and sheltered in Museo dell Opera Metropolitana in Siena.
Cost of the course, including materials and tools.

Natural dyeing: Angharad Rixon
Spring / Summer / Autumn
Course of 30 hours
This course serves as an introduction to the tradition of natural dyeing with a particular focus on the use of gathered and found materials and an experimental approach to their application. Weather permitting; the course will take place outdoors around a campfire. At the end of the course the students will take home a selection of fabrics and yarns that can be used to make small items such as scarves and bags and for knitting and embroidery.
Introduction to the history of natural dyes and the plants traditionally used in the area followed by a walk in the woods to gather materials.
Discussion about the effects that we want to create with natural dyes and experimentation with various techniques to capture the imprints of nature.
Traditional recipes to create shades of red, yellow and green.
Excursion to Florence to see the Costume Museum in Palazzo Pitti.
* Traditional recipes to create shades of blue, brown and black.
Assessment and recording of the recipes created by the students and evaluation of the work done during the course.

Ancient "Biccherne" : Jennifer Storey
Spring / Summer / Autumn
Through ancient binding methods, application of egg tempera and gold leaf and rustic calligraphy, Jennifer Storey is exploring the Sienese Tax Book, called Biccherne something totally unique to Siena, dating back to when Tax Officials would ride out on horseback to verify the number of olive trees, horses, pigs, etc on each farm holding, carrying their large books over the saddle, protected from rain and snow by crude wooden covers.
These covers, once housed in the Palazzo Pubblico, would be painted by well-known contemporary artists, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti e Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Duccio di Buoninsegna. These covers, in fact, represent a cronological history of Sienese painters from 12th century up to 1786.
Each participant will be taken, during 5 or 6 days, step by step, through the process to make a facsimile binding over leather taws, using blank hand-made Ama
lfi paper, learning how to use round pigments, gold leaf and basic medieval calligraphy. No previous experience is necessary, but an attitude for precision and manuality is desired.
A side trip, to view the originals, can be arranged at convenience to the participants.
All materials will be supplied.

Indian Dance: Maresa Moglia
Introduction to classical Indian Dance
Bharata Natyam
Spring / Summer / Autumn
With Maresa Moglia (disciple of Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, B.A in Contemporary dance)
Six 2 hour classes- total 12 hours
The workshop intends to introduce the participants to the basic elements of Barata Natyam, through a practical, “physical” study of the discipline, as well as the theory and history behind this dance style.

Painting ceramic Majolica technic: Lies Robbertsen
Painting ceramic - Majolica technique
tecnica maiolica
From the 28th of June to the 5th of July
From the 26th of July to the 2nd of August
From the 23rd to the 30th of August
The class will be given over one week with a total of 30 working hours.
1 - Short introduction to the history of majolica in Italy
2 - Explanation of the technique that will be used.
3 - Developing a personal motif, first on paper, then on majolica.
4 - Understanding the transformation of the colours in the firing.
5 - Wider knowledge of the developed decoration, both in two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.
6 - The objects to be decorated are: Big plate, small plate, mug, espresso cup and saucer, bowl.
7 - The objects, once fired, remain with the participants.

Ceramic Raku: Monica Borca
From the 9th to the 16th of August
Raku is a Japanese pottery technique passed down over the centuries from a teacher’s dynasty. Back in the 16th century it was used for the creation of bowls for the tea ceremony, as its principles fit with the Zen philosophy of simple and unique beauty.
In 1920 the potter B. Leach introduced it to the western world where the technique has developed and evolved, with fascinating and attractive results.

Drama: Luigi Arpini

From the 24th to the 31st of may
Entering into communication with the space around us means "tuning" yourself like an instrument.
Learning to work with the body as an instrument means control and liberation of the mind.
How emotions work on the body. The expression. The observing, listening, moving body, which moves in the natural environment (stone, wood, earth...).
Learning to express oneself means eliminating all resistance towards natural psychological-creative processes.
- recitation and improvisation,
- the structure of action: movement, sound, object, word,
- character/persona,
- theatre: a place where the arts come together, a point of departure,
a meeting place, a place of exchange and participation.
No previous practical theatre experience necessary.
"The fundamental characteristic of teaching art is to transmit the presence of the creative forces in the teaching, rather than a specific method. In the beginning, the most important subject which is taught must necessarily be introspection, the search for inner creative energies, cause and effect of all creative work." (Stanislawskij)
Having worked for many years in Italy and abroad in the "Cricot" theatre company of Tadeusz Kantor, it has been my privilege to participate in an artistic experience of historic importance. As a result of this artistic experience, I have continued my artistic quest with my accumulated treasure of teachings, constantly sharing and developing it along the way.

Ashtanga yoga: Violetta Weddephol
Dal 2 al 9 agosto
This week long intensive will focus on the Primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a set series of Asana (postures) designed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the 92 yr old Indian Guru of the practice, to promote health, strength, flexibility and ultimate integration of body, mind and soul. It promotes a profound feeling of well-being and connection.
After an introduction, the seminar will consist of a 2 hour dynamic asana morning practice, followed by an evening hour long class during which we’ll discuss the history and the philosophical implications of this fascinating practice as well as go over the finer points of technique.
We’ll be discussing The Eight limbs of Classical Yoga -Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranamyama, Pratiyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi- But don’t worry too much about the Sanskrit!!) in a light and relevant manner focussing on how to implement these ancient teachings to our everyday life
We’ll close the day with a guided meditation and restorative poses to prepare for a restful night of sleep.
Massages will be available upon request .

Yoga - Ayurvedic massage: Annalisa Cobertaldo
From the 12th to the 19th of July
The sessions will be held by Annalisa Colbertaldo who lives in Chianti and usually teach in her Yoga Studio in Siena. She's been practicing yoga for over 25 years. She began study Iyengar yoga with Dona Holleman,a great yoga teacher,well-known all over the world. She is a certified Iyengar yoga teacher and actually continues to practice and study Yoga both alone and with famous teachers like P.Walden,G.Giubilaro,M.Dunn,S.Quirk etc.. She use yoga not only to stretch and srenght the body but also to increase the awareness and the connection with the inner body. She is also a Shiatsu practitioner and a Tai Ki Kung trainer,qualified from her Master C.Y.Ming Wong,with whom she study and practice,since 1995',also On Zon SU,an ancient chinese foot massage.

Energy Soul of curative plants: Lisabetta Matteucci
From the 7th to the 14th June
Re-cognise-them - trasforme-them use-them
Theoretical-practical learning of the use in energetic medicine cosmetic and culinery, with the preparation of some products
For all levels
The class will be given over one week
With a total of 28 working hours
Energy Study
Study of 14 plants
Aromatic herbs for cooking
Aloe
Cosmetic products
Bach flowers


Cooking: Jean Michel Carasso
Italian cooking lessons
From the 10th to the 16th of May 2008 From the 17th to the 24th of May 2008 From the 31st of May to the 7th of June 2008 From the 14th to the 21th of June 2008 From the 5th to the 12th of July 2008 From the 19th to the 26th of July 2008 From the 6th to the 13rd of September 2008 From the 20th to the 27th of September 2008 From the 4th to the 11th of October 2008 From the 18th to the 25th of October 2008

Enogastronomic Journey: Alioscia Lombardini
This program will help you discover the taste of Tuscany. 7 days in a wonderful castle in the heart of Chianti region, guided tour across our land, wines and food, to understand where and how such wonderful flavours came from.

Sculpture: Hans Marks
From the 21st to the 28th of June
I invite you to a "Week of Sculpture" during the months of May and June 2008, at the Castello di Vertine - private estate and home of Elena Trissino del Vello d'Oro - situated between Siena and Florence. The participants – a maximum of eight- will be lodged in the castle in independent rooms or suites, and will have access to the private work-shop on site.
The aim is to realise a sculpture of some 50 centimetres high in a standing position, using a live model, and in one week from start to finish.
I have chosen this position because it needs a little reflection, but insist that there is nothing complicated – not even for a complete beginner. On the contrary, after this week of discovery not only will you understand a little more about what sculpture is about, but you will also have acquired more freedom for expression in future personal projects.
The key points to be covered are:
• Choice of a pose – and why
• Use of an "Armature"
• Sculpting with clay – and what clay is.
• Basics of the human anatomy with a live model
• Making a simple mould for the sculpture
• How to present a sculpture