In 1213, the province of Siena built this unique castle on the remains of a Lombard settlement from the 8th century to function as an outpost to guard against the Florentines, who often invaded Sienese territory.
Castellina in Chianti is a charismatic town nestling in the hills between Florence and Siena. The town is in the middle of Chianti, which is well known for the production of its famous red wine.
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.
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.
Many people believe there is a romantic and magical aura surrounding Greve in Chianti. This small town owes its reputation mainly to the fact that it is right in the middle of Chianti Classico and is one of the main producers of wine in the region.
Its location in the centre of Chianti makes Colle Val d’Elsa the ideal spot for those who wish to explore central Tuscany. The town is very picturesque and unbelievably tourist-free, considering it is situated just a few kilometres from the motorway which joins Siena and Florence.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and has been a cultural centre since the early Middle Ages. If you travel to Tuscany, you really should pay Florence a visit at some point: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the churches Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, Palazzo Pitti and its exhibitions, the cathedral with Brunelleschi’s vault and Giotto’s bell tower...
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.
