Florence Accommodation » Discover Florence » Chianti » Gaiole in Chianti

Holidays in Gaiole in Chianti


Gaiole in Chianti, along the banks of the creek Masellone, is a typical town of Chianti, which embodies the essence of this land: centuries of history and love for art, frank and friendly people, simple life in harmony with nature, good food and excellent Chianti! In the Middle Ages, Gaiole developed mainly as a market. People came from the nearby castles of Montegrossi, Vertine and San Donato in Perano to meet in Gaiole and exchange various goods: hides, wine, oil, vegetables... To experience for a little this atmosphere you might go for a nice walk in Gaiole on Saturday morning, during the weekly market.

Gaiole was also one of the three Chief Towns of the League of Chianti and was often involved in fights between Florence and Siena. Much of its historic centre has been destroyed and what remains is the result of several reconstructions, in different periods and styles. Still, it is a very nice city-centre, definitely worthy of a visit. On the contrary, many religious and military sites in the immediate surroundings of Gaiole are well preserved and are very interesting.

A first itinerary, starting from Gaiole, leads towards San Donato in Perano. Just outside the town, you will see the Pieve (= parish church) of Spaltenna, the reference church of Gaiole throughout the Middle Ages. Beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, with an imposing bell tower, it is all made of a local type of limestone called "albarese". Inside there is a fine wooden crucifix of the fifteenth century. After a very recommended stopover in Vertine, a charming medieval village surrounded by its ancient walls and dominated by the castle tower, you can continue and find the Villa of San Donato in Perano, built by the Strozzi family, with the annexed Chapel of Sant`Antimo. You can then finish your tour with a visit to the Church of San Pietro in Avenano, which was built before the year one thousand and shows several architectural styles.

A second itinerary is the castles route, going South. Heading towards Castelnuovo Berardenga, you will first meet the Meleto Castle and then the Brolio Castle. Both are beautiful medieval buildings, still intact, imposing, with annexed wine estates and beautiful parks. The Meleto Castle belonged to the Benedictine monks first and then to the Ricasoli family. Besides the magnificent structure, inside you can visit the rooms with paintings and fine furniture and a particular eighteenth-century theater (www.castellomeleto.it). Brolio, built on a fortified embankment, is the symbol of the Ricasoli family. It was for decades a Florentine bulwark against Siena and, unfortunately, it was the scene of numerous battles that not always left the castle unscathed! It is also the oldest winery in Italy, the largest of the Chianti Classico (240 hectares of vineyards) and perhaps one of the most advanced for its technology. If you expect damp basements of stone, you will be amazed! (www.ricasoli.it).

A tour in itself, that we also strongly recommend, is a visit to the Badia (=Abbey) of Coltibuono, along the road that leads to Montevarchi. The church structure is fascinating, surrounded by large forests of fir. Its beautiful gardens are particularly pleasant, but you can surely find interesting solicitations for your palate also during the visit to the winery and to the annexed restaurant! (www.coltibuono.com).

A final curiosity: in �800, the famous Baron Bettino Ricasoli has been Mayor of Gaiole for many years. Besides being a great farmer-entrepreneur - he was the one who dictated the rules for the vinification of Chianti � he was a great politician who favoured the knowledge and the export of this great Tuscan wine throughout Europe.

 

Our most requested villas for vacation rentals:
Villa Montespertoli
Villa Montespertoli
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 Marco
Villa Marco
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 Botticelli
Villa Botticelli
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 Siena
Villa Siena
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