The Chianti Region in the Renaissance: Art and Viticulture
Therefore, if Florence houses masterpieces by great artists including Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the Chianti region is scattered with plenty of less-renowned but nevertheless beautiful works of art. You can admire the many exquisite altarpieces and sacred paintings and sculptures that decorate the "pievi", churches and villas scattered in the Chianti countryside. The masterpieces by Coppo di Marcovaldo, Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Masaccio and Andrea del Verrocchio are real "goodies" even for nature-holiday lovers.
You certainly cannot miss a visit to the "Commenda di Sant`Eufrosino" in Volpaia, a bourg in the municipality of Radda in Chianti - a wonderful example of Renaissance architecture.
From a social point of view, under the Medici rule the Chianti region experienced not only an artistic renewal but also a long period of peace and prosperity. The production of wine increased and quality improved, so that in 1716 Cosimo III de` Medici identified the part of the Chianti region stretching from Spedaluzzo to Greve and Panzano and the area including Radda, Gaiole and Castellina up to the border with the Kingdom of Siena as areas destined to the production of quality wines, thus creating a sort of ahead-of-time DOC.
In the second half of 18th century, the Grand Dukes of Lorraine encouraged the development of modern agricultural techniques and awarded the farms that adopted Enlightenment ideas and improved farmer`s social status.
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
Villa with swimming pool for rent near Siena for holidays in Tuscany. Villa with accommodation for 4/6 people, panoramic view on Siena.
More details