The Chianti Region: From Etruscan Settlements to Present Days
Unfortunately, due to its strategic position and the richness of its soil in the course of the centuries Chianti has been the object of violent struggles for possession and influence: during the Roman domination between Fiesole and Arezzo, in Longobard times between the Bishops of the nearby towns and in the Middle Ages between the feudatories and the various important abbeys in the area, namely those of Passignano, Montemurlo and Coltibuono.
Siena and Florence fought for the possession of these gentle hills for over four centuries. Florence conquered the region for the first time at the beginning of the 13th century and it was in the peace treaty of Fonterutorli (1201) that the name Chianti, or rather "Lega del Chianti", appeared for the first time. The toponym designated a region with clear boundaries that was divided into three "Terzieri"; the main towns of the region were Radda, seat of the Podesta, Castellina and Gaiole.
Yet, war was not over. Short periods of peace alternated with frequent struggles, and in the 15th century the Aragonese of Naples formed an alliance with Siena and invaded the Chianti region twice. It was only in 1555 that Florence finally defeated Siena. Under the Medici government the Chianti region enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity. The constant care for the land and the introduction of modern agriculture in the 20th century have made the Chianti district the charming region renowned worldwide it is today.
Our most requested villas for vacation rentals:
Villa for holidays on the hills of the Florentine countryside. Accommodation for 12+2 people, garden, private swimming pool, hydro massage, Internet connection.
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Villa for rent in the countryside of Chianti, near Florence. Accommodation for 8/12 people, private swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool bath for 7, Internet connection, children's playground, air conditioning. Golf club, riding stable and tennis club within a few kilometres. Possibility of organising dinners and cooking lessons.
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Villa for vacation rental in Radda in Chianti, between Florence and Siena, in the Tuscan countryside. Accommodation for 10 people, garden, swimming pool, panoramic view, Internet connection.
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Villa with swimming pool for rent near Siena for holidays in Tuscany. Villa with accommodation for 4/6 people, panoramic view on Siena.
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