The monastery was founded in 781. In that year Charlemagne’s troops were returning from Rome and suffering from a plague. The king (not Emperor until 800) swore that he would build a monastery if God would free them from the curse.
centre of Siena is quite indescribable. Once you are through the old city gates you are met everywhere by reminders of times when neither electricity nor industry was available to the local inhabitants. Piazza del Campo with its town hall, the cathedral, Basilica di San Domenico, La Torre del Mangia and above all the streets and houses make an unforgettable impression on visitors.
At the top of a forest covered peak in Tuscany the monastery Monte Oliveto Maggiore stands in solitary majesty. You get here by driving up the winding country road before arriving at the impressive building complex. The monastery was built at the start of the 14th century when 3 Sienese noblemen and the holy Bernado Tolomei settled in this rugged place to pray and work.
Montalcino is a town with a long and fascinating history. It has been a symbol for the Republic of Siena since 1555 because it gave shelter to Siena’s last remaining freedom fighters, who had suffered defeat at the hands of the armies of Emperor Carlos V.
Chianti wine was incredibly popular especially in the years from 1870 to 1900, which led to the shabby copies from other districts. As long as the wine was poured in the classic fiasco bottle, it could pass as Chianti. In 1924 a group of wine producers from central Chianti formed a consortium, which took its name from the Lega de Chianti’s symbol – a black rooster.
