Chianti Areas: What They Are and What to See
The Tuscany region is rich in places of interest, from cultural to maritime ones, also passing through gastronomy, and among these we can also find the Chianti areas. By hills of Chianti, or also called Monti del Chianti, we mean an area that extends more than 20 km, between the provinces of Siena, Florence and a small part of Arezzo. The Val di Chiana and the Valdarno mark its natural borders. As the name suggests, the territory is mainly hilly and rich in vines, which give rise to wines with the Chianti DOCG denomination. The highest mountain is in fact San Michele, with a peak of 893 metres. The oldest municipalities in the area are those of Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. While all the municipalities that are part of it are: Florence, Siena, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Castellina in Chianti, Certaldo, Chianciano terme, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Impruneta, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Poggibonsi, Radda in Chianti, Rapolano Terme, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, San Gimignano, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Vinci and Volterra.
What to do in the Chianti area: places not to be missed
So let’s find out what to see in the Chianti areas, which are rich, not only in good food, but also in villages, art and landscapes.
The first place not to be missed is certainly the Castello di Meleto in Gaiole in Chianti, which dates back to medieval times.
It is possible to stay in the characteristic rooms inside, taste wines and be surprised by the culinary itineraries.
The second is the municipality of Greve in Chianti, which is only about 30 km from Florence and Siena.
Here it is possible to visit the historic castle of Montefioralle, the Church of Santa Croce, the Museums of Sacred Art and the Wine Museum.
The municipality of Castellina in Chianti has just under 3000 inhabitants, but it has very ancient origins, which can already be dated back to Etruscan times.
Dominating the city is the ancient Rocca, inside which is the Archaeological Museum of Chianti.
What to see in the Chianti Hills: wines, food and more
Among the things to do in the Chianti hills, we also recommend a visit to the town of Gaiole in Chianti, born as a market town.
The historic center of which is still the market square, triangular in shape, where most of the cultural events in the area take place.
Among its monuments we find the church of San Sigismondo, with a marble altar dating back to the 17th century. Only 20 km away from Siena, there is the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga. In ancient times it was the refuge of nobles and wealthy landowners and, even now, its historic center has the appearance of a medieval village.
Like the whole Chianti area, this place is also full of wine bars where you can taste wines.
Finally, a visit to the Chianti Sculpture Park, located in Pievasciata, cannot be missed. It is a perennial exhibition of contemporary installations and sculptures designed to integrate with the nature around them.
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