The castle served as the official residence and judicial headquarters for the Vicars sent from Florence for nearly four centuries.
It retains a functioning 'Prigione delle Streghe' (Witch's Prison) which highlights the castle's role in local historical judicial processes.
The interior walls feature hundreds of painted and carved stone heraldic shields belonging to the various Vicars who served at the castle.
Lari is famous for its annual cherry festival, which centers around the village dominated by the castle's silhouette.
The structure was built upon older medieval foundations and underwent significant reconstruction during the 15th-century Florentine expansion.
Castello dei Vicari is a medieval fortress situated in the village of Lari, serving as the administrative seat for the Vicars of Florence from 1406 to 1782. The structure features high defensive walls, a central courtyard, and historical prisons carved into the rock. Visitors can tour the documented torture chambers and the courtroom where past judicial proceedings occurred. The site houses a museum detailing the local history and the administration of the territory during the Florentine Republic. Several interior rooms contain original coats of arms representing the Vicars who governed the region. The castle remains an active cultural hub, frequently hosting exhibitions and weddings within its fortified walls. Its strategic position atop a hill provides extensive views of the Pisan hills and the Valdera landscape.
The main entrance gateway looking back toward the village, or the upper terrace walls facing the valley.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes as the village streets and castle internal floors are often uneven or made of stone.
Visit the small garden terrace area for a panoramic view of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Check local event calendars before visiting, as the castle frequently hosts weddings that may restrict access to certain courtyards.
Do not attempt to drive through the narrowest streets of the historic village center, as they are restricted to residents and very narrow.
Often closed on Mondays; guided tours are frequently required for specific inner sections of the castle.
