The Chianti Valley with Poggio del Drago
The Chianti Valley, in the heart of Tuscany, is a region where history, culture and wine tradition are intertwined in an evocative landscape. Starting from the Poggio del Drago B&B, visitors can explore charming villages, extensive vineyards and works of art that testify to the area's rich heritage. Greve in Chianti serves as a gateway with its lively Piazza Matteotti, while Radda retains a unique medieval atmosphere. Gaiole offers a plunge into medieval history with its parish churches and castles. Castellina and Barberino Val d'Elsa stand out for their Etruscan and medieval roots, respectively. Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, and Impruneta offer a mix of art, history, and culinary culture, making the Chianti Valley a must-see destination for those seeking an authentic Tuscan experience.
Explore the beauty of the Chianti Valley
Discover the magical Chianti Valley, the beating heart of Tuscany, where history, culture and wine come together in a breathtaking landscape. Starting at the B&B Poggio del Drago, immerse yourself in a journey of discovery of enchanting villages, sprawling vineyards and artistic masterpieces, witnesses to the region’s priceless heritage.
Greve in Chianti
Greve in Chianti, gateway to the Chianti region, is strategically located halfway between Florence and Siena. This picturesque town, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, revolves around the ancient Piazza Matteotti, unique for its funnel shape and surrounded by historic buildings, arcades and loggias. The square vibrates with life, with wine bars, local restaurants and souvenir stores offering a taste of Tuscan food and wine culture. The Church of Santa Croce, with its works of art, and the nearby medieval village of Montefioralle add historical and cultural charm to the enchanting landscape of Greve.
Radda in Chianti
Radda in Chianti, topped by the Arbia and Pesa valleys, retains a magical medieval atmosphere within its ancient walls, with towers and stretches of fortifications telling stories of times gone by. The Palazzo del Podestà and the Propositura di San Nicolò are its emblems, along with the Ghiacciaia Granducale, a testament to 19th-century engineering. The hamlet of Volpaia, a fortified village surrounded by vineyards, enchants visitors with its medieval beauty, making Radda a place where time seems to stand still.
Gaiole in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti maintains an urban structure that reflects its medieval past as a center of commerce. This area is famous for its historic parish churches, such asSan Polo in Rosso and Santa Maria in Spaltenna, and is the starting point for exploring castles and fortresses that dot the Castles Road of Chianti, including the majestic Castle of Brolio and Castle of Meleto. These sites offer not only a glimpse into the region’s historical past but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape.
Castellina in Chianti
Castellina in Chianti stands on a hillside overlooking a landscape of vineyards and olive groves, with roots going back to Etruscan times, as evidenced by the necropolis of Poggino and the Monte Calvario tumulus. The Rocca, with its imposing tower, and the ancient walls with the Via delle Volte offer spectacular views and a journey through time. TheArchaeological Museum of the Chianti Senese, located inside the Rocca, tells the story of the region through valuable archaeological finds.
Barberino Val D’Elsa
This charming medieval town, located between Florence and Siena, is surrounded by fortified walls that encapsulate a history dating back thousands of years. Barberino Val d’Elsa invites you to explore its heritage through historic palaces, such as the Palazzo del Cardinale and the Palazzo Pretorio, and prominent religious buildings such as the Church of St. Bartholomew and the Pieve di Sant’Appiano. The charming atmosphere of its streets takes you back in time, offering an authentic immersion in the most genuine Tuscany.
Tavernelle Val di Pesa
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, located among the rolling hills of the Chianti, is distinguished by its rich artistic and cultural heritage. The Church of Santa Lucia at the Borghetto, with its origins dating back to the 13th century, is a splendid example of religious architecture, preserving valuable works of art inside. Just outside the town, the Pieve di San Pietro in Bossolo, a splendid example of Romanesque architecture, attracts visitors from all over for its understated and imposing beauty. No less fascinating is the village of San Donato in Poggio, which has kept its medieval appearance intact, offering a dip back in time to its visitors.
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Located on the borders of the Chianti Classico area, Castelnuovo Berardenga is a village rich in history, surrounded by breathtaking nature. The area is dotted with historic villas and castles, including Villa Chigi Saracini, an example of architectural elegance. The Museo del Paesaggio and the Chianti Sculpture Park offer unique cultural routes, combining art, nature and history. The small village of San Gusmè, with its cobblestone streets and stone houses, is a must-see destination for those seeking glimpses of authentic Tuscan beauty. Don’t miss this glimpse of the Chianti Valley!
Poggibonsi
Poggibonsi, with its rich medieval history, offers visitors a variety of historical and cultural attractions. The monumental complex of San Lucchese and the Church of San Lorenzo are just some of the testimonies to the spiritual and artistic depth of the village. The Fortress of Poggio Imperialand the Castle of the Magione evoke the strategic and military importance of Poggibonsi over the centuries. The Archeodrome, which reproduces a 9th and 10th century village, offers an immersive experience in medieval life. An unmissable stop , in short, of a tour of the Chianti Valley!.
Wines and Oil in the Chianti Valley: San Casciano in Val di Pesa
San Casciano in Val di Pesa is known in the Chianti Valley for its quality wine and olive oil production, and is also rich in religious buildings of great interest. The Collegiate Church of San Cassiano, with its works of art, and the Church of Santa Maria al Prato, with a Crucifix by Simone Martini, bear witness to the rich artistic tradition of the place. The Pieve di San Pancrazio is a remarkable specimen of Romanesque architecture. The Etruscan tomb of the Archer, atSan Casciano, offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilizations that inhabited these lands.
Beyond the Chianti Valley: Impruneta
Here we are technically outside the confines of the Chianti Valley…Famous for its terracotta production, Impruneta is a village with roots in the Middle Ages. The basilica of Santa Maria, with its Museo del Tesoro, holds priceless works of art, including works by Michelozzo and Luca della Robbia. The local culinary tradition, represented by peposo, enriches the visiting experience, inextricably linking the material and spiritual culture of Impruneta to its territory and history.
We are waiting for you at Poggio del Drago to explore the Chianti Valley!
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If the search for quality and world-famous red wine wasn’t enough for you, we hope this list of things to see in the Chianti Valley has served to stimulate your curiosity. We look forward to seeing you at the B&B Poggio Del Drago to offer you an ideal base for exploring these lands and all the territory nearby!