Guide of Chianti And Valdelsa, Italy

Chianti And Valdelsa, Italy

The prestigious Chianti Area is another reference that is inextricably linked to Tuscany, to Florence and its territory. The Chianti, with its characteristic hilly landscape, where the geometric pattern of the vineyards, with the aligned rows of vines stretching out in different directions, creates changing effects of light and colour. It stretches between the cities of Florence and Siena, west of the Valdarno, and includes a number of municipalities. Its Florentine part contains large numbers of farms where one of the most famous wines in the world made. The vineyards alternate with olive groves and, here and there, with rows of cypresses, castles, cottages, ancient parishes, villas and gardens.

Each year, the most noble product of this land, Chianti Classico, is honoured in various high level events. Referring to the natural landscape and environment of the whole Florentine territory, we cannot overlook the mountain areas: Vallombrosa, surrounded by century-old woods of fir trees, is set at 958 m, and Consuma is located at about 1,000 m on the Casentinese main road n. 70.

Villas, castles and farmhouses are scattered throughtout every hill and valley, as if they had been built to watch over an area known the world over for its artistic heritage, history and beauty: Greve with Chiesa di Santa Croce; Chiesa di San Cristoforo and Castello Magnana; Tavernelle Val di Pesa's territory which boasts a famous Abbey, an interesting Town Hall; Montespertoli with its Pieve and the Castello degli Acciaioli.

Many places have preserved their age-old craftsman's traditions: ceramics and glass in Montelupo, "Cotto" brick in Impruneta and wrought iron in Scarperia.
On the artistic side, apart from the various Etruscan and Roman remains, it can be noted that works by Beato Angelico, Della Robbia, Botticelli, Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippo Lippi, Donatello, Rossellino, Mino da Fiesole etc. may be come across at every corner in the churches and small town museums of Chianti and examples of great architecture by Michelozzo, Giuliano da San Gallo and Leon Battista Alberti are also frequent encounters.

In the area of Valdelsa are located several marvellous towns: Barberino Val d'Elsa, the main town of what is quite a large municipality; Certaldo whose streets and houses are entirely built of brick; Castelfiorentino which lies further down the valley; Montaione and Gambassi Terme which stretches as far as the borders of the province of Siena.

Part of the Contents and Photos are courtesy of APT Firenze