Tuscany Holidays

Castellina in Chianti @ Medieval Town Surrounded With Vineyards

Castellina in Chianti is a small town situated on the Tuscan hills at the intersection of the Pesa, Elsa and Arbia valleys. Like most Tuscan towns, Castellina in Chianti boasts Etruscan origins. Numerous finds dating back to this ancient and mysterious civilization have in fact been found in its territory; particularly important are Monte Calvario Mound and Poggino necropolis.

In the 11th century countess Matilde gave Castellina in fee to the Guidi family and then to the lords of the Trebbio. In the 14th century, the small town formed the Chianti League together with Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. The Chianti League was a kind of alliance the Florentine Republic formed in 1384 in order to solve any dispute with Siena through diplomatic ways.

Between 1400 and 1402 the Florentines transformed Castellina in Chianti into a fortress. At present only the rocca (the stronghold) is to be seen; it dominates the town and was renovated during the last century and adapted as Etruscan museum.

Apart from the above-mentioned Etruscan archaeological areas and the rocca, the territory of Castellina in Chianti is scattered with interesting church, mostly in Romanesque style, one of the most important being the one dedicated to San Salvatore. The church was rebuilt during the last century and houses a Madonna with Child, a detached fresco dating back to the early 15th century by the Maestro di Signa (the Master of Signa).

Castellina in Chianti, which has maintained its Medieval character, is surrounded by the typical Chianti gentle hills, scattered with farms producing the red wine renowned all over the world.