The Chianti Area Surrounding Siena
Sienese Chianti
The first town in the province of Siena on the road southwards to the city of the Palio is Castellina in Chianti. Situated on a hill at the intersection of the valleys of Arbia, Elsa and Pesa, Castellina in Chianti boasts Etruscan origins, as the discovery of a tomb dating back to the 6th century B.C. demonstrates. Together with Radda and Gaiole, Castellina in Chianti was once one of the main towns of the ancient "Lega del Chianti" (Chianti League). A Medieval stronghold dominates the town, whose territory is scattered with interesting religious buildings, such as the church of San Martino and that of San Leolino in Conio.
Twenty kilometres from Siena stands the fortified hamlet of Castelnuovo Berardenga. The castle was the last to be built in the area. Today only its ruins remain. The Carthusian monastery of Pontignano and the hillock of Montaperti, the theatre of the famous 1260 battle in which the Sienese army defeated the Florentine, are worth a visit.
The wine town of Gaiole in Chianti developed around the 13th century as a market town. Together with Castellina and Radda, Gaiole in Chianti was once one the main towns of the "Lega del Chianti". Apart from the Medieval fortified complexes of Santa Maria a Spaltenna and Vertine, the castle of Brolio is one of the major attractions in the area and in the whole Chianti district. In the neighbourhood of Gaiole many other castles, such as Meleto and Cacchiano, the Abbey in Coltibuono and numerous parish churches are worth a visit.
Radda in Chianti is the last main town of the ancient "Lega del Chianti", together with Castellina and Gaiole. The town stands on a hillock between the valleys of Arbia and Pesa and has maintained its Medieval structure. Not far from Radda in Chianti is the hamlet of Volpaia, with its ancient donjon and the Commendam of Sant`Eufrosino, dedicated to the bishop who evangelised the Chianti district.
|
|
|
