Discovering the secrets of Chianti Classico
Villages, castles and of course ... rows of vineyards!
Few territories can offer a panorama as rich and evocative as the Chianti Classico: green hills populated by kilometers and miles of vineyards, olive groves, narrow villages that arise between wide medieval walls, winding streets, castles and fortresses. The Chianti called Classico is the one that extends between Florence and Siena and includes the municipalities of Greve, Panzano, Gaiole, Radda, Castellina and Castelnuovo Berardenga.
The mini guide we propose highlights the main aspects of each location, with some useful links to obtain even more detailed information. In the lower part of the article, you will also find a map showing the various villages, all located between Siena and Florence.
The travel time for the whole itinerary, starting from Greve in Chianti or Castelnuovo Berardenga (without intermediate stops) is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, so even if some stops are included to take pictures or visit the places calmly, this itinerary is perfect to do it in a day.
The villages to visit in the Chianti Classico
Greve in Chianti
Our trip could only start from Greve in Chianti, considered the entrance to the Chianti area. This lively city is famous for its unique square, which since the Middle Ages was the central market for the villages, castles and farms of the surrounding hills.
The square is almost triangular and is flanked on three sides by large porches, which protect from rain and sun during shopping.
In the center is the statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, discoverer of the Bay of New York. In the narrow part is the church of Santa Croce, of medieval origin but with neo-Renaissance forms that houses some beautiful works of sacred art, including a triptych with the Virgin and Saints of Bicci di Lorenzo.
Greve also offers the opportunity to taste and taste many typical Chianti products. Under the arcades of the square there are many shops of craftsmen, bars and restaurants, where you can taste excellent wines and other typical products of the area such as their famous sausages.
Panzano in Chianti
A few kilometers from Greve is Panzano, a popular city of Chianti. From the 12th century Panzano played an important role in the defense of the territories of Florence. The Panzano Castle was in fact an important bulwark in defense of the Republic of Florence in the wars between Florence and Siena.
It is nice to walk through the old town and breathe its atmosphere of past times, then stay in the main square to have a glass of wine. In fact, in Panzano there are some wine bars and restaurants that offer tastings of wines and typical products. In addition, there is the Ancient Butcher Cecchini, famous for its excellent Florentine steak, which is cut by decanting the Divine Comedy.
Castellina in Chianti
Continuing towards Siena is Castellina in Chianti, whose origins are very old, as evidenced by the Etruscan tombs of Montecalvario.
The favorable position at the intersection of four areas of Chianti made this city an important strategic and military capital between Florence and Siena. As proof of this function, it is still the imposing fortress that dominates the central square and the charming Via delle Volte that crosses the town and offers breathtaking views. Strolling through the city you can also admire beautiful palaces belonging to important families of Siena and Florence.
It is also worth seeing the Church of S. Salvatore, rebuilt after the Second World War, which houses a beautiful fresco of the late fourteenth century of a Tuscan master. Without any doubt, it is worth visiting also the Chianti Senese Archaeological Museum, which traces the ancient history of this area and preserves the Etruscan finds of Montecalvario.
In Castellina, of course, you can taste the local wines in one of the many bars in the town and enjoy the taste of the Chianti butcher shop where salami is made with an unforgettable flavor.
Radda in Chianti
Leaving the Chiantigiana road and taking the SR429 state road, you reach Radda in Chianti, which preserves its original medieval appearance. The ancient walls still protect the center of the city, which develops in a labyrinth of concentric streets.
The Palazzo del Podestà dominates the center of the village together with the Church of S. Niccolò of Romanesque origin. The palace was used for four centuries by the Captain of the Chianti Lega, as the many coats of arms on the façade recall. On the outskirts of the village is the former convent of the Franciscans of S. Maria in Prato.
Few territories can offer a panorama as rich and evocative as the Chianti Classico: green hills populated by kilometers and miles of vineyards, olive groves, narrow villages that arise between wide medieval walls, winding streets, castles and fortresses. The Chianti called Classico is the one that extends between Florence and Siena and includes the municipalities of Greve, Panzano, Gaiole, Radda, Castellina and Castelnuovo Berardenga.
The mini guide we propose highlights the main aspects of each location, with some useful links to obtain even more detailed information. In the lower part of the article, you will also find a map showing the various villages, all located between Siena and Florence.
The travel time for the whole itinerary, starting from Greve in Chianti or Castelnuovo Berardenga (without intermediate stops) is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, so even if some stops are included to take pictures or visit the places calmly, this itinerary is perfect to do it in a day.
The villages to visit in the Chianti Classico
Greve in Chianti
Our trip could only start from Greve in Chianti, considered the entrance to the Chianti area. This lively city is famous for its unique square, which since the Middle Ages was the central market for the villages, castles and farms of the surrounding hills.
The square is almost triangular and is flanked on three sides by large porches, which protect from rain and sun during shopping.
In the center is the statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, discoverer of the Bay of New York. In the narrow part is the church of Santa Croce, of medieval origin but with neo-Renaissance forms that houses some beautiful works of sacred art, including a triptych with the Virgin and Saints of Bicci di Lorenzo.
Greve also offers the opportunity to taste and taste many typical Chianti products. Under the arcades of the square there are many shops of craftsmen, bars and restaurants, where you can taste excellent wines and other typical products of the area such as their famous sausages.
Panzano in Chianti
A few kilometers from Greve is Panzano, a popular city of Chianti. From the 12th century Panzano played an important role in the defense of the territories of Florence. The Panzano Castle was in fact an important bulwark in defense of the Republic of Florence in the wars between Florence and Siena.
It is nice to walk through the old town and breathe its atmosphere of past times, then stay in the main square to have a glass of wine. In fact, in Panzano there are some wine bars and restaurants that offer tastings of wines and typical products. In addition, there is the Ancient Butcher Cecchini, famous for its excellent Florentine steak, which is cut by decanting the Divine Comedy.
Castellina in Chianti
Continuing towards Siena is Castellina in Chianti, whose origins are very old, as evidenced by the Etruscan tombs of Montecalvario.
The favorable position at the intersection of four areas of Chianti made this city an important strategic and military capital between Florence and Siena. As proof of this function, it is still the imposing fortress that dominates the central square and the charming Via delle Volte that crosses the town and offers breathtaking views. Strolling through the city you can also admire beautiful palaces belonging to important families of Siena and Florence.
It is also worth seeing the Church of S. Salvatore, rebuilt after the Second World War, which houses a beautiful fresco of the late fourteenth century of a Tuscan master. Without any doubt, it is worth visiting also the Chianti Senese Archaeological Museum, which traces the ancient history of this area and preserves the Etruscan finds of Montecalvario.
In Castellina, of course, you can taste the local wines in one of the many bars in the town and enjoy the taste of the Chianti butcher shop where salami is made with an unforgettable flavor.
Radda in Chianti
Leaving the Chiantigiana road and taking the SR429 state road, you reach Radda in Chianti, which preserves its original medieval appearance. The ancient walls still protect the center of the city, which develops in a labyrinth of concentric streets.
The Palazzo del Podestà dominates the center of the village together with the Church of S. Niccolò of Romanesque origin. The palace was used for four centuries by the Captain of the Chianti Lega, as the many coats of arms on the façade recall. On the outskirts of the village is the former convent of the Franciscans of S. Maria in Prato.
Gaiole in Chianti
Not far from Radda is the village of Gaiole in Chianti, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Gaiole for its position halfway between Chianti and Valdarno had become an important market for the various castles in the vicinity. Gaiole still plays an important role in the area, as a major tourist attraction. In fact, there are many farms, wineries and farms that offer their products and their hospitality.
Around Gaiole there are some fortified castles and rocks that deserve a visit such as the Castello di Vertine, the Castello di Meleto, the Pieve di Spaltenna or the Castello di Brolio, today residences for stays in the Chianti region and to taste their products.
Castelnuovo Berardenga
The southernmost part of the Chianti Classico area often remains in the shadow of the frenzy and the curiosity of the first places that are found when entering the region, but these from my point of view are even more beautiful to be out of the routes main.
Castelnuovo Berardenga, founded in 1366, is located on the border between Florence and Siena; Built by the latter, it remained under its control until 1555, when the city was defeated by the Medici family. In Piazza Petrilli, you can still see the remains of the tall tower, transformed in 1755 into the clock tower of the city. The plaza offers a wide open space where you can enjoy the atmosphere of other times and the total tranquility that dominates this place; Along with the Vicolo dell'Arco and its characteristic red brick arches, it is one of the places to stop and admire what surrounds us in this charming little town in Chianti.
South point of Chianti Classico, Castelnuovo Berebenga
Just outside the city, is the charming city of San Gusmé, a small and characteristic town that seems to have stopped at a distant time and offers endless opportunities for wonderful photos.
I also recommend the trip to Certosa di Pontignano, not only because it is an impressive monastery where events are organized, but also because it represents an important part of local history: it served, in fact, as a refuge for Jews and political dissidents during the Second World War. World. Do not forget, finally, add Pieve Pacina to the itinerary, less than 3 km from the city center, perhaps one of the oldest churches in the area, almost certainly existed long before the year 714!
Tastings in the Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico is not only synonymous with memorable landscapes but also with excellent wines.
Take all the time necessary to walk the beautiful rural roads that characterize the landscape and stop from time to time, especially when you see the signs that say "direct sales": to taste the local wines.
And this is all for the moment dear friends, if you like the article please share it !.
regards
Giorgio Toscano
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