The Surrounding Area
The beauty of the ancient Tuscan towns and villages is world famous. Places where history and the past have left traces of obvious harmony visible even today.
The Tuscan villages afford unique sights and Chianti is full of them…it is almost impossible to visit every one of them! Here are some suggestions of places easily reached from Villa Belvedere. All of the villages we mention not only offer beautiful Chianti landscapes, but they are all home to prestigious wineries and renowned restaurants and trattorias.
Lamole
Not far from Villa Belvedere is a tiny hamlet – Lamole, famous for its wine production and for the views which become increasingly spectacular as you reach it along the country road.
Lamole is a tiny hamlet but worth visiting to see the dry stones walls, the cypress trees and the olive groves, as well as the famous vineyards that surround it.
Montefioralle
From Piazza Matteotti, the centre of Greve in Chianti, it is possible to walk along a road that leads to one of the most beautiful villages in Italy – Montefioralle, situated on top of a hill overlooking Greve, it exemplifies the archetypal Tuscan village. It was here that during the middle ages the lords of the land resided. A village with so many poetic views, so perfect, that it doesn’t seem real. Near Montefioralle you can also visit the Pieve di San Cresci, the first Christian settlement in the Chianti area dating from the Roman era.
Badia a Passignano
Not far from Montefioralle, nestling amongst the hills, vineyards and woods, is Badia a Passignano, which, as its name implies, is home to an ancient abbey dating back to the 12th century. A group of ancient buildings where monks still reside today.
The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is open for visits, and it is here that San Giovanni Gualberto, an important historical figure, as well as founder of the Vallombrosian monastic order, is buried. The austere and rigorous environment of the abbey hides a pictorial treasure, “The Last Supper” painted by Ghirlandaio in 1476.
The hamlet is renowned for the beauty of the panorama but also for the presence of fine restaurants and wineries.
Panzano in Chianti
Just 7km from Greve is Panzano in Chianti, a medieval village that still preserves traditional shops among its narrow streets. Just outside the village is one of the most beautiful panoramic views over the Chianti hills – the spectacular Conca d’Oro (the valley a patchwork of vineyards and olive groves) which glows russett at sunset!
A short distance from Panzano is the Pieve di San Leolino, dating from the year 1000, with the basilica dating back to the 12th century. It has been restored many times over the years, but you can still admire its sober Romanesque layout. A place worth visiting for mystical inspiration.
Volpaia
In the hills surrounding Radda in Chianti, lies Volpaia, a small medieval jewel, a fortified settlement once disputed between Florence and Siena. Its strategic location played a key role in the history of this hamlet, which today is famous for the production of Chianti wine. In the 13th century the village boasted an ‘Ospedaletto’ of the Knights of Malta, a place where pilgrims could receive hospitality and care, now used as a wine cellar.
Radda in Chianti
Radda in Chianti is another unmissable village! It is the birthplace of the Chianti Classico consortium, and some of the most prestigious cellars of the area are found here. The winemaking vocation of Radda is truly ancient! The village dates from Etruscan times and the inner streets are beautiful to visit in all seasons.
Castellina in Chianti
Among the most beautiful villages in Chianti we also include Castellina, a small jewel with a very special square, and streets with wine stores and artisan workshops which seem to have stood still in time; our advice is to walk around the vaults surrounding the village; this basement passageway was an additional defense in times of war. Strolling in a cool, shady spot on hot summer days is a real experience, as is stopping for a glass of Chianti along the walkway. A short distance away you can visit two Etruscan archaeological sites, the Montecalvario Tumulus and the Poggino Necropolis.
Gaiole in Chianti
Gaiole, with its distinctive triangular square, is the birthplace of the ‘Eroica’, the famous cycling event that takes place almost entirely on dirt roads (known as ‘strade bianche’) and evokes the spirit of cycling of yesteryear…
Near Gaiole there are also many beautiful Chianti castles, many of which can be visited (including for wine tastings), others are now resorts. The following are of particular note: Brolio Castle, Meleto Castle, Badia a Coltibuono and Spaltenna Castle… all wonderful places!
San Donato in Poggio
San Donato in Poggio, another of the pearls of Chianti, is located in one of the most beautiful and scenic spots in Chianti. This village dates back to the year 1000 with a beautiful square, narrow streets, little shops and the Tuscan countryside at its best. It still retains its 13th-century town walls and watchtower (the Torrino). The town is a little gem, a bloom of geraniums at the gates – the typical Tuscan village.
