Discovering Chiantishire By Car

Chianti: just the name evokes sweet and harmonious hills, vineyards, olive trees, and medieval villages that have miraculously remained intact for centuries. Chianti is one of the most famous Italian regions in the world, loved by tourists and locals, a gastronomic centre with an idyllic backdrop. In this territory placed between Florence and Siena, the pace of life is slow and pleasant. Each traveller will find their perfect itinerary amongst castles, towers and ancient churches, unforgettable landscapes and small local restaurants where delicious food and great wines are served. In short Chianti offers you the perfect ingredients for an amazing holiday: art, history, great food and nature.

Starting from Florence ,driving along the ancient Via Chiantigiana, we reach the first destination of our journey: Greve. Also known as "the gateway to Chianti"; this small town is a good starting point to explore the area. The beautiful and bustling Market Square has been the centre of the city since medieval times. Greve is situated at the foot of the fortified village of Montefioralle. The surroundings are a paradise for hikers, both for the beauty and nature as well as the presence of numerous churches and castles. The nearby Villa Vignamaggio, where "Much Ado About Nothing" by Kenneth Brannagh was shot, said to have been the home of the Mona Lisa, immortalized by the famous Leonardo Da Vinci "Mona Lisa".

Continuing in the direction of Siena, the road takes us in a few minutes to the village of Panzano. This tranquil village nestled in the heart of the Chianti vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees is a must for lovers of the most famous of Italian wines, Chianti Classico. It also houses an authentic "sacred place" for all steak lovers: the old Cecchini butchery, managed by Dario Cecchini, also known as the "butcher poet": an authentic Tuscan setting and an ideal place to taste what the Dario calls "the perfect steak"! In addition to good food and the beauty of the countryside, the medieval Panzano offers many picturesque spots in its ancient alleys and monuments that are a must see: the Romanesque church of San Leonino, the remains of the castle and the oratory of Sant'Eufrosino.

As we keep driving on the SS 222, the Via Chiantigiana, we reach another town of great charm, Castellina; which lies right at the heart of Chianti and is renowned for the production of wine and olive oil. In addition to many opportunities for tasting and purchasing such valuable products, Castellina also offers visitors the beautiful church of San Salvatore (XII century) and the wonderful landscape that can be seen from the medieval fortress, situated in the main square. To conclude the visit, you just have to walk through the village, between ancient walls and narrow streets paved with stone and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views over the surrounding hills, dotted with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. To reach the next destination it's necessary to leave the SS 222 and make a little detour. It's well worth it: in the fifteenth century Radda in Chianti was the most important city in the area. A charming medieval village perched on a hill. It was the chief town of the Chianti League in 1415. A walk on the walls of this citadel offers great views of the Tuscan countryside, dotted with vineyards and olive trees. Radda is famous for its wineries and the surrounding villas, used as a "retreat" by the most important Florentine families during the Renaissance. In the small town centre you will find the fifteenth century Palazzo del Podestà.

Our tour ends here, but Chianti has a lot more to offer: the small villages perched on the hills of Vertine and Volpaia, the Meleto and Brolio castles, and the Abbey of Badia a Coltibuono are just some of the attractions that are on offer to those who wish to continue their discovery of Chianti - one of the brightest gems of Italy.

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