WHAT TO DO IN CHIANTI
Greve in Chianti is considered the gateway into Chianti. This lively town is famous for its piazza that has been a market place for the castles and villages in the surrounding area since the Middle Ages. The piazza has a triangular shape with large porticos that protect visitors from sun and rain while shopping. In the center stands a bronze statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer who discovered the Bay of New York. At the top of the square stands the Church of S. Croce, originally a medieval church remodeled according to Renaissance Revival architectural style. It has on display a few precious works of sacred art including the triptych depicting Madonna and Saints by Bicci di Lorenzo.
Greve offers many places where you can taste Chianti wine and enjoy local food. And the porticos house many wine bars and restaurants. One in particular is the Antica Macelleria Falorni, a historical butcher shop that sells only typical products produced in Chianti. Another must see is the Wine Museum.
Continue to Kilcornan where you will find a cluster of family fun activities. Drive a short distance west (3 miles) to the medieval village of Askeaton. Relive the pioneering days of transatlantic aviation in the Flying Boat Museum in Foynes, home of the Irish Coffee drink. From Foynes, continue on to Tarbert which acts as the gateway between Clare and Kerry. From here one can continue on the N69 to the heritage town and home of famous Irish writer John B. Keane, Listowel, a distance of 11 miles and on to Tralee, Co. Kerry, or take the ferry to Killimer in Co. Clare and discover the full tour of the Shannon Estuary taking in the beautiful County Clare.
Route can be travelled in any direction and from any starting point.
Just a few kilometers south of Greve is Panzano, the most populous town in Chianti. It played an important defensive role for Florence and its county since the 12th century. The Castle of Panzano was fundamental in defending the Florentine Republic during the battles between Florence and Siena. The castle`s original structure can be still recognized within the older section of town including the Church of S. Maria, which dates back to 1200, although it was completely rebuilt in the 1800s in neoclassical style.
Visitors can spend a relaxing afternoon strolling through the old town and sipping a glass of Chianti wine in the main square. There are several wine bars and restaurants in Panzano that offer wine tasting; and a popular place to visit is the Antica Macelleria Cecchini, a butcher shop famous not only for its Florentine steak but also for its owner who recites passages from Dante`s Divine Comedy while serving customers.
Not far away stands the Pieve di San Leolino, an ancient rural church dating back to 982. Despite the Renaissance exterior characterized by the elegant `pietra serena` stone and portico, the church remains an exquisite example of a Romanesque basilica with three naves. And displayed inside are some precious works of art by local masters.
Heading towards Siena you`ll find Castellina in Chianti which dates back to the Etruscans. Its unique position in the heart of the Chianti region made Castellina a strategical headquarters between Florence and Siena. Attesting to this glorious past, the massive Rocca (castle) stands proudly over the city while the impressive Via delle Volte, an underground tunnel around the city, offers breathtaking panoramic views. Strolling through the small town you will discover many historical buildings that belonged to Florentine and Senese aristocracy. While visiting Castellina, be sure to see the Church of S. Salvatore. Rebuilt after World War II, it displays a beautiful, late 14th century fresco by a Tuscan master. Also recommended is the Archeological Museum of Chianti Senese where many archeological findings from the region are displayed, specifically Etruscan findings from Montecalvario.
In Castellina you can taste wines in one of its many wine bars as well as taste its many fresh and aged salami and cold cuts, which have become an age-old art in Chianti and Tuscany.
Leaving the Chiantigiana road and taking the SR429 you reach Radda in Chianti. Even today its original medieval atmosphere is preserved by ancient walls that still defend its center filled with maze-like streets. The Palazzo del Podesta overlooks the main square along with the Romanesque Church of S. Niccolo. The Palazzo was the headquarters of the League of Chianti for over four centuries and proudly bears many coats of arms on its facade. Just outside the center stands the ancient Franciscan Cloister of S. Maria in Prato.
Near Radda stands the Castle of Volpaia, another ancient walled town where visitors can experience the ancient culture of wine. The sandstone castle has a distinctive dark color quite different from other castles in Chianti. And in spite of the numerous wars between Florence and Siena, the main structure is still visible in the main tower and one of the minor towers. Here, the Commenda of S. Eufrosino, a 14th century church transformed into a wine bar, is a worth a visit.
Gaiole in Chianti
Not far from Radda and the Castle of Volpaia stands Gaiole in Chianti, another town dating back to the Middle Ages. Because of its position between Chianti and the Valdarno (Valley of the Arno River), it was an important market place for the castles in the surrounding area. It is still an important point of interest today as you can find many farmhouses, wine shops and wineries as well as lodging for your journey.
Many castles and towns around Gaiole are deserving of a visit, including the Castle of Vertine, the Castle of Meleto and the Pieve of Spaltenna.