Chianti is a wide landscape of art halfway between reality and set designing of one of the many movies shot in this countryside area located between Florence and Siena and bounded by the Arno, Elsa, Arbia and Ombrone rivers.
Its name dates back to the XIII century when some documents pointed out as the Chianti area the one formed by the territories of Radda, Gaiole and Castellina under the jurisdiction of Florence. This area was often the scene of wars and battles thanks to its strategic importance and now it enables visitors to enjoy beautiful medieval villages, many castles and fortified churches.
Wine production is the main activity in the area, but not the only one. Here visitors can explore trails and deserts of greenery on horseback or by bike or enjoy the permanent exhibition of painters and sculptors from foreign countries who have decided to make this area their home. Chianti is a paradise of harmony.
Chianti as everyone knows is the land of wine. It obtained the Doc certification in 1967, becaming Docg in 1984. It offers several types of Chianti: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Montespertoli and Rufina. Certainly the most famous Chianti is the classic grape varieties produced in the province of Siena. The predominant grape in Chianti is the Sangiovese with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and some local grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino.
Oil is another important product of the Chianti Area and the meat of Cinta Senese is one of the best in Italy.
The most important places are:
Castellina in Chianti, with its fortifications and in particular the fortress build in the XV century and the church of San Salvatore in Neo-Romanesque style.
Castelnuovo Berardenga, is where the battle of Montaperti was fought between Florence and Siena in 1260. The Senesi planned to fortify the village with new walls, but they were never finished. In Castelnuovo visitors can admire the narrow streets and taverns and also the Villa Chigi Saracini with its beautiful Italian style garden.
Gaiole in Chianti was born originally as a center of trade for many of the castles of the surroundings. Today everything revolves around the street-square Ricasoli which recalls the ancient medieval splendor.
Radda in Chianti is a village whose center hosts a castle that overlooks Piazza Ferrucci. Nice to see are the alleys and streets where travellers can smell the essence of the classic Chianti and the monastery of Santa Maria in Prato.
The Chianti bike Park was established to offers to all lovers of nature and bike the opportunity to be in contact with the beautiful landscapes of this land and its infinite silence. Just a ride on these roads through woods and vineyards, tasting here and there a few glass of wine, to enter the unique charm of the Chianti region.
Contemporary art in Chianti is at home. This beautiful area has been chosen as a ground of inspiration for great artists like George d’Almeida, Leo Lionni and Maro Gorky exhibiting their works in Chianti. The blending of this land and contemporary art also gets more evident with the Academy Chigiana, the exhibition of contemporary art Tusciaelecta and the Chianti Sculpture Park located in the 13 hectares of forest in front of the furnace Pievasciata.
For more information about Chianti area, click here.
