Castellina in Chianti: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Situated on a hill, the Italian town of Castellina in Chianti stands out with its medieval fortress in the landscape of Tuscany. The place overlooks the surrounding vineyards and wineries, which are excellent for hiking tours with wine tastings. From here, you can start excursions to nearby villages or to the culturally rich Florence.
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Castellina in Chianti - Must-see attractions
Street of the Arches
During the bitter battles between Florence and Siena in the 13th century, Castellina in Chianti was destroyed several times, but was always rebuilt and equipped with stronger defensive walls. Beneath these runs the underground tunnel Via delle Volte around the historic center. Follow the traces of a centuries-old eventful history and stroll leisurely through the passages with their small shops and cozy establishments. Light enters the underground through narrow window shafts. And taste the flavorful Chianti drops in wine shops.
Church of the Holy Savior
The plans for the newly built church San Salvadore in Castellina in Chianti were designed by the architect Menotti Lucattelli. Among the remarkable art treasures inside is a freestanding fresco by Maestro di Signa. The painting was created in the 15th century. It depicts the Madonna with Child. A wooden statue of Saint Barnabas is another highlight that you can discover in the church. Additionally, there is a shrine of the martyr St. Faustus. He is invoked for help during droughts and grape harvests.
Castle Rocca di Castellina
The medieval castle Rocca di Castellina with its thick walls and typical watchtowers is located in the beautiful small town of Castellina. This, in turn, is nestled in the famous Chianti hills, the heart of Tuscany in Italy. Inside the castle, there is a small museum where you can get information about the eventful history of the castle. You can also admire archaeological artifacts from the Etruscan period, that is, from the 7th to 6th century BC.
Archaeological Museum of the Chianti Senese
The exhibition of the Archaeological Museum focuses primarily on the ancient history of Castellina in Chianti and the neighboring areas. Ancient war artifacts, ornate amphorae, bronze figures, sculptures, and much more take you on a journey through the past. In addition to the late Bronze Age, the museum emphasizes life during the Etruscan period as well as the time of the first settlement history in the region. The traditional wine cultivation in the Tuscan Chianti area is also a featured topic.
Town Square
The Piazza del Comune in Castellina in Chianti is the central square of the town, surrounded by charming medieval buildings. On this picturesque square, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of Tuscan village life. The surrounding buildings display rustic Tuscan architecture and are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Piazza del Comune is an ideal place to relax, have an espresso, and experience the local culture.
Tumulus of Montecalvario
The Etruscan shaft tomb Tumulo di Montecalvario near Castellina in Chianti dates back to the 7th century BC and has four entrances pointing in all cardinal directions. The burial chambers, once guarded by a stone lion, are open for viewing. Some of the grave goods were plundered. However, in 1915, excavations uncovered decorative items made of bronze and iron that once belonged to a chariot. Remaining artifacts from the tomb can be found in the Archaeological Museum Chianti Senese.