Castellina in Chianti: a delightful medieval village

Situated on a hill, 578 meters above sea level, overlooking the river valleys of the Pesa, Arbia and Elsa, Castellina in Chianti is one of the most important villages of Chianti and a famous resort area.

Castellina in Chianti, is an interesting medieval town of Etruscan origins, of this period are witness the many Etruscan tombs that are located nearby, as the Tumulus of Montecalvario, which is located just outside of the village along the road 222, this is a Tumulus burial of considerable dimension, with a diameter of 50 meters, it consists of four Hypogeum tombs dating back to the seventh-sixth century BC, orientated following the cardinal points. Near the village of Fonterutoli is the Necropolis of Poggino with other Etruscan tombs.

During the Middle Ages Castellina in Chianti was feud and military outpost of the Gentlemen of the Trebbio, in 13th century it became the capital of one of terzieri of the League of Chianti (Lega del Chianti), which stretched on the territories of Gaiole and Radda. In later centuries it became an important outpost of the Republic of Florence against Siena, in the fifteenth century, Florentine Republic decided to strengthen its defences with the construction of a new and mighty walls, with two gates, fortified by numerous square towers and a rectangular mighty fortress placed on top of the hill.

The fifteenth-century fortress now houses a Antiquarium (Museo Archeologico del Chianti Senese) with Etruscan finds. The old town has a medieval layout of which is testimony Via delle Volte, a covered road set against the ancient walls.

HOW TO GET TO

Castellina in Chianti is a charming medieval village in the hills of Chianti, near Siena, which is about 22 km.

By Car: To reach Castellina in Chianti, coming from Florence, take the highway Florence-Siena (at Firenze-Impruneta exit of highway A1) and after 20 km exit at San Donato, here turn on the left (towards San Donato) after about 13 km you’ll reach Castellina in Chianti, this road is a total of 34 km (from the motorway toll).

Another alternative road from Florence is the Chiantigiana: leave the A1 at Firenze-Sud and turn immediately right to Greve in Chianti, take the SS 222 Chiantigiana, reaching Greve in Chianti and continue to Panzano and then follow up to Castellina in Chianti, this road is a total of 40 km (from the motorway toll).

From the South: Take the A1 motorway towards Florence, exit at Valdichiana and go to Siena on SS 326 Siena – Bettolle, take the SS 222 Chiantigiana towards Greve in Chianti, continue until Castellina in Chianti.

Road distances: Radda in Chianti 11 km; Barberino Val d’Elsa 18 km; Greve in Chianti 19 km; Siena 22 km; Gaiole in Chianti 22 km; San Gimignano 29 km; Florence 45 km.

Bus: Castellina in Chianti is regularly served by a number of daily bus SITA and Train that connect it to Florence, Siena and Poggibonsi.

By Train: There is a station of Castellina in Chianti (Castellina Scalo) along the line Empoli-Siena, the train station is about 11 km from the village. The nearest stations are in Poggibonsi and Siena, which are respectively 19 and 22 km, they are always on the line Empoli-Siena. The best buses connections are with the station of Siena.

By Air: The nearest airport is Florence-Peretola Amerigo Vespucci, which is located 54 km away.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly market Castellina in Chianti: saturday
Via IV Novembre 8.00-13.00

Weekly market in Castellina Scalo: thursdays
Piazza della Pace 8.00-13.00

Tourist Information Office
Centro Servizi Turistici
Via Ferruccio 40
tel. +39 0577 741392 – fax +39 0577 741393

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• AA. VV. “Toscana” Guide Rosse Touring Club Italiano, 2007
• Ciampolini Marco, Avanzati Elisabetta “Il Chianti senese. Masse orientali di Siena” 2001, NIE