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TOSCANA WEEKEND
Our suggestion for a day trip in the Toscana countryside
Leave the hotel after breakfast and travel to Greve, the first stop in the Chianti region which is about a half hour away.
The territory of Chianti runs on pretty much a north/south axis from Florence down to Siena. It is the famous land of vineyards and hilltop towns, with Greve, Radda and Castellina forming a triangle in the very heart of Chianti.
Greve in Chianti
The main square in the busy farming town of Greve, 30 km. south of Florence, in the heart of the Chianti, is very beautiful and particularly characteristic for its assymetrical shape and its porticos topped with terraces.
Here one can visit the Church of Santa Croce, built in the 19th century on the remains of an ancient oratory. The interior
contains a Madonna and Saints by the Master of Greve and a triptytch of the Annunciation by Bicci di Lorenzo. The nearby Oratory of San Francesco boasts a large group in polychrome terracotta of the Deposition with the three Marys and three Saints, dating from the first half of the 16th century.
We warmly advise you to visit Montefioralle, only a few kilometres from Greve and hometown of the Vespucci family. The ancient castle survived centuries of battles between Siena and Florence, fighting to gain supremacy over central Tuscany. The Church of San Cresci nearby is also worth a visit. It is one of the oldest Chianti churches, built before 1000 A.D.
Montefioralle
The ancient village and castle of Montefioralle was an important stronghold during the wars between Florence and Siena. Situated in the hills above Greve in Chianti, it is characteristic for its one street that completely encircles the church of S. Stefano (inside an interesting 13th century Madonna and 14th and 16th century Florentine paintings): a simple building is traditionally indicated as the house of Amerigo Vespucci. The church of S. Cresci can also be visited close by
From there you should continue on to Castellina in Chianti, another quietly affluent hilltop town.
Castellina in Chianti distance: 40 km 1 hour
The town of Castellina in Chianti lies between the Elsa, Arbia and Pesa Valleys. Previously the feudal lands of the Trebbio family, it was taken over by the Florentines in the early 15th cent. and surrounded by walls. A high Mediaeval keep, which gives on to a wonderful view, dominates the town. Via delle Volte, once part of the covered sentry walk along the 16th century fortifications, is an interesting example of typical local architecture.
After your visit in Castellina you can continue on to the small village of Fonterutoli where an old Roman road is still used and where the Castello di Fonterutoli was established in 1435. Today, most of the village buildings belong to the winery
This gorgeous winery encompasses a castle and dominates a lovely hamlet, only a few miles away from the "Chiantigiana", the Roman road that leads from Florence to Siena.
- The Mazzei family are the owners of the Fonterutoli estate and it has been in their family since 1435! The history of the estate is fascinating, full of interesting characters such as Filippo Mazzei. Filippo was an eccentric and intellectual, and invited by his friend Thomas Jefferson at the end of the 18th century to plant vineyards near Jefferson's home in Virginia. Filippo Mazzei ended up not only leaving his vines, but also participating in the American Revolution and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution! One of the first Italian Americans.
Here you can have lunch and wine tasting.
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