Chianti
The beautiful hilly region between Florence and Siena is known as the Chianti district. And you thought it was only the name of the wine? Come on our tour through this stunning part of the country and you will discover that there is a whole lot more to Chianti, than just the wine. (Do not worry though, we will stop and taste some on the way!)
The landscape of this area is characterized by numerous vineyards, orchards, olive groves and rolling hills. There are woods and fields as far as the eye can see, with many villas, churches, monasteries and castles throughout. So popular has this destination become with English-speaking tourists that have decided to buy property here, the area is widely known as Chiantishire!
The word Chianti probably comes from an Etruscan family name. It was them after all who introduced the vine here centuries ago. On this tour we can tailor the programme to suit individual tastes (wine tastes that is!). For example, we can visit a typical medieval castle such as Castello Vicchiomaggio, encircled by cypress trees on a hill with fabulous views. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci once stayed in the villa, and later on the powerful Medici family held spring banquets here.
Before reaching Greve, the centre of the wine industry, we can visit the charming little hamlet of Montefioralle, birthplace of the Vespuccifamily. Wine-tasting of course can be organised at various locations throughout Chianti, and after lunch at a typical trattoria the choice is yours: we can suggest more wine-tasting at local farms and wine producers, or a pleasurable visit to the small delightful village of Monteriggioni, built by the Sienese in 1203 as defence against the ever expanding Florentine republic.
Completely enclosed in its 13th century walls with 14 towers, Monteriggioni was described by Dante in his Divine Comedy. Wherever we go in this fantastic part of the world we are sure it will be an unforgettable experience (provided you go easy on the wine that is!).
Chianti, the area in which Chianti Classico wine has been produced for centuries, is that part of Tuscany that is bordered to the north by the suburbs of Florence, to the east by the Chianti Mountains, to the south by the city of Siena and to the west by the valleys of the Pesa and Elsa rivers. The area is traversed by the Superhighway of the Palio. It is a land of ancient traditions that was civilized in remote periods first by the Etruscans, who left many traces of their activity in the wine sector, and then by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, the cities of Florence and Siena battled for control over the zone.Villages and monasteries, castles and fortresses appeared during that period and many of them were later transformed into villas and country residences when times were more tranquil.It was then that spaces were cleared in the vast forests of chestnuts and oaks for the cultivation of vines and olive trees, an activity that progressively assumed major economic importance and established an international reputation.
Siena
We will head towards the South of Tuscany to visit Siena. The historical enemy of Florence. Many battles were fought between the two cities. Only once Siena defeated Florence, 1260 4th september battle of Monteaperti. The rivalry is still strong as the sienese say that the best thing that happened to Florence was the 1966 flood that almost drowned the entire city.
Siena is the medieval and gothic jewel of Tuscany, not having been effected in great manner by the Renaissance period. Thanks to our official permits, we will drive through the pedestrian narrow, windy roads of the city to reach the beautiful recently rennovated cathedral, right in the heart of town. Once we park the car, we will walk you through main street and to one of the most breathtaking squares in Italy, Piazza del Campo. This is where the Palio Horse race is held; twice a year, July 2nd, August 16th. This is the reason the people of Siena are so proud Of their roots.
|
