Holidays in Radda in Chianti
When Florence in `200 reorganises its domains to improve the administration and the defensive capabilities against the eternal rival Siena, establishes the League of Chianti. Radda is chosen as the seat of the “Podestà” (=the local Governor) and still, in the town centre, there is the fine Praetorian Palace of the XV century. A couple of centuries later, in 1555 with the final victory of Florence against the Republic of Siena, Radda looses its strategic importance and returns to its quieter agricultural vocation: oil and wine!
On the main square, opposite to the Praetorian Palace, stands the Romanic Church of San Niccolò. It`s the main church of the town and if you get inside to have a look you`ll soon realize how many times over the centuries it has been "remade" to become a jumble of different architectural and artistic styles, very interesting. Among the valuable artworks you will notice the "wooden cross" of Florentine school of the XIV century, the "Madonna of the Rosary with Child and Saints" of the XVII century and a typical baptismal font of the same period, made of “pietra serena”, the local gray sandstone.
This is just a small taste. The whole area around Radda is rich in architectural remains of Roman and medieval times. After a nice walk through the streets of Radda, which is very suggestive, you could get back to your car and drive to the small village of Castello di Volpaia. Along the road you can take a detour to the Romanic Pieve (=parish church) of Santa Maria Novella, dated back to 1010, containing interesting artworks.
Volpaia will then welcome you at the top of the hill with its well-preserved "Castle", the church dedicated to Saint Eufrosino - the Saint to whom, according to tradition, we owe the "Christianization" of Chianti - and yet the Church of San Lorenzo and the Church of San Pietro. The small village-castle of Volpaia can be visited also with its famous winery and its historic cellars. Just at the base of the castle tower there is a little shop where you can enjoy a pleasant wine tasting and buy a few good bottles. (https://www.volpaia.it)
Always within the municipal territory of Radda, the other two great and typical wineries are Castello D`Albola and Castello of Monterinaldi ... in these cases, as well, the wineries coincide with the small ancient villages built around the two medieval castles, dated back to year Thousand. Both wineries will warmly welcome you and give you the possibility to take guided tours of the cellars in the main European languages and taste their products. (https://www.albola.it) (https://www.monterinaldi.it) But we always suggest giving them a phone call in advance to check availability and times.
Just one more thing.... If you are on holiday in Chianti in the first week of June do not miss the great event "Radda nel Bicchiere” (=Radda in the Glass) (https://www.raddanelbicchiere.net) to taste the best of the authentic Chianti Gallo Nero!
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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