There is something you simply can't miss if you are in Florence. Don't forget while you are there that Florence is just in the middle of Tuscany and outside the city you have wonderful scenery absolutely worth to be seen.
One possible itinerary that can be done in one day if you have your base in Florence, it is the Via Chiantigiana. Rent a car while you are in Florence and take one day off, passing throught the Chianti Classico area. Go south and take the Road SS 222 toward Impruneta.
Impruneta was already inhabited in the Etruscan and Roman era, and during the Middle Ages was tied to the political and economic affairs of nearby Florence. The real propulsory centre of the community of Impruneta was the parish Church of S. Maria, founded in 1060, that became, in a short time, an important sanctuary to the Virgin Mary. The church, originally in Romanesque style, underwent numerous revisions over the centuries, and at present only the original crypt has been preserved, while the church presents a sober Renaissance-style appearance.
Leave Impruneta and go Direction Greve in Chianti, along the SS 222.
Greve in Chianti is situated at the intersection of the roads that linked Florence and Siena and Upper Valdarno and the Valdelsa. It began to develop as a "market place" for the principal castles of the area in the XIII century. Greve's main piazza, is characterized by an original formation of irregular triangular shape, defined by beautiful long porticos. Today it is still an important point of exchange, particularly on the occasion of the Mostra Mercato del Chianti Classico (Chianti Classico Wine Fair) that takes place there every year in September. The Montefioralle castle dominates Greve, which still maintains intact the original mediaeval town structure with a narrow ring-road that follows on to meet the little church of S. Stefano, where an interesting twelfth-century Madonna and Child is preserved. The castles of Uzzano, Verrazzano, Vicchiomaggio and Lamole are also notable. A short distance from Greve, in the Panzano direction, Vignamaggio Villa can be found, where, according to tradition, Mona Lisa - made famous by Leonardo - was born. The Romanesque parish church of Panzano or S. Leolino, dating back to the X century, preserves important works of art, including a precious panel with the Madonna on the throne Saints Peter and Paul and stories of the two saints, attributed to Meliore di Jacopo (XIII century).
Leave Greve and follow the directions for Castellina in Chianti still on the road Chiantigiana 222.
Long-standing feudal domain of the Trebbio family,
Castellina in Chianti passed over to Florence in the XV century that surrounded it with walls making it one of the most important battlement locations against Siena. The medieval fort dominates the country, but that which bears witness more than anything else to Castellina's medieval past is surely the Via delle Volte, a walkway set into the walls of the town which offers, limited but exceptional panorama, seen through the arrow-slits. Just outside the inhabited centre lies the Etruscan ipogeo (underground cave) of Montecalvano, a rather imposing grave for dimensions dated to the VII-VI century B.C. that, together with other tombs identified in various other locations, bears witness to the Etruscan presence in Chianti.
Leaving Castellina take the road n. SS 484 to Radda in Chianti.
In the rerritory of
Radda in Chianti The Volpaia castle is a small mediaeval agglomeration that is certainly worth a visit. Inside the walls is a labyrinth of little paved lanes preserved between arches, palazzos and the little Renaissance church of S. Eufrosino (XV century).
Leaving the territory of Castellina follow the directions to Gaiole.
Gaiole in Chianti during the Middle Ages was an important market place, developed along the road for Valdarno. The numerous castles and parish churches in the vicinity bear witness to an intense and prosperous agricultural and commercial activity. Among the castles, which were all established in the Middle Ages, of particular interest is Vertine, also Meleto with its two majestic rounded angular towers, Barbischio, and above all Brolio castle. A patrol walkway runs on top of the walls and bastions that surround the town, from which one can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Chianti region and the Sienese countryside. The castle, completely destroyed in 1478, was reconstructed in the last century on Bettino Ricasoli's wish.
At less than 1 km from Gaiole, the beautiful Romanesque parish church of
Spaltenna is worth a visit, while on the road to Valdarno, immersed in the green of age-old fir-trees, is the Abbey at Coltibuono. A large part of the majestic complex of the abbey that was constructed by the Vallombrosan monks is now private property, the Romanesque church and the massive embattled bell-tower.
Now you can go toward the end of your Itinerary:
Castelnuovo Berardegna which is a southern offshoot of Chianti.
At the end of this tour you have enjoyed nice middle age towns, castles and above all you have been passing through a magnificent territory marked out by a perfect combination between art, history and nature. A smooth landscape dominated and respected by men. Don't foget the Chianti Wine, but since you are supposed to be driving buy a few bottles and wait!Have a nice trip,
A Florence View Staff
www.bed-breakfast-florence.com
