The municipality of Radda, located in Chianti, Italy in the region Tuscany, is an area that is famous for its archeological sites, historical landmarks, and the production of Chianti, a celebrated red wine. Radda is situated on Route SS222, which features outstanding scenery and landmarks. The municipality can be reached by car without much difficulty; however; three buses each day run from Florence and the Siena Train Station to Radda’s town square. Radda is quite small and one can do all his or her sightseeing on foot if desired.

Radda has a strong Etruscan origin, although it was only in the previous century that excavations, carried out at Malpensata and Poggio La Croce, uncovered a significant number of Etruscan artifacts. In Medieval times, powerful feudal families constructed impressive castles and forts in the town; however, many of these structures were seized when Florence took control of Radda in the 13th century. For the next several centuries Radda was a major source of conflict between Siena and Florence, the two most revered cities in Tuscany at that time. This situation continued until Radda, Gaiole, and Castellina were constituted in 1774. After the city-states were unified, Radda became the municipality it is today. In the 1970s, a surge in the wine industry in Chianti helped the municipality of Radda to thrive, which is still the case to this day.

The first castle of Radda was a residential dwelling constructed at the beginning of the 11th century, but when the Republic of Florence organized the small communities in the mid 1200s, this castle was taken over and used for state purposes. The Castle of Radda was once the capital of the entire League of Chianti. All such structures in the Radda municipality were preserved to retain at least part of their original appearance. Certain buildings, including the Monterinaldi, were transformed into apartments, farmhouses and villas, and some were partially preserved to serve as tourist attractions.

The municipality’s religious history can also be seen in the town’s architecture and design. The Pieve di Santa Maria Novella is a primary example of such architecture, and this structure looks much the way it did when first designed in the Middle Ages. Romanesque features can be seen in the architecture of Radda’s other churches as well, including the Livernano and Albola cathedrals and the church of Saint Eufrosino at Volpaia.

The stunning landscape that can be seen from the town’s promenade is an attraction all by itself, and one can easily spend an hour or more capturing the beautiful landscape on film. There is also a modern, well-maintained playground for children in the town’s small square, which can be used free of charge by locals and visitors. Many parents enjoy having coffee in the square while their children play, as the cafe is located close to the playground. In addition, there is a farmer’s market opened seven mornings a week just outside the town square, where one can purchase fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables from local harvesters. With such impressive architecture and historical sites, it is not surprising that Radda is a favorite destination of those who enjoy wine, history and ancient architecture.

Panzano is a charming town located in the wine region of Chianti, Tuscany. It has an elevation of at least 400 meters so the climate is generally temperate and perfect for agricultural production. Panzano and nearby villages cultivate excellent farm produce, most notably grapes and olives used in processing the region’s most famous products. The region shares its name with Chianti, the bold red wine traditionally packaged in a basket or fiasco, and masterfully produced in the wineries and vineyards of Panzano.

A familiar site in town is the Panzano Castle, a fortified structure built between the 11th and 12th century by the Firidolfis, a local Chianti aristocratic family, as a stronghold against enemies and invaders. The Panzano Castle is situated in the highest point in town, providing an interesting focus for travelers entering the town for the first time. There are three impressive churches in Panzano. Next to the castle is the Santa Maria Assunta church, a Neo-classical church constructed in the 19th century. The oldest of the three is the Pieve di San Leolino, a Romanesque style structure with a foundation built sometime in the 8th century. The third is a 15th century oratory which has a stone shrine holding the relics of Saint Eufrosino.

Panzano hosts several festivals that highlight the region’s history and gastronomical traditions. The local wine festival, Vino al Vino, is held during the second week of September. During the festival, all of the wineries in town set up tables in the main square and provide free samples of their finest wines. Every year, butchers from all over the region travel to Panzano to celebrate Festa dei Macellai or Butchers’ Festival, where only the finest meats are prepared and sampled. La Vendemmia is another popular Panzano festival. Dates for the La Vendemmia vary every year, depending on the grape harvest season.

The charming countryside and rolling hills of the region beckons visitors to explore the sights and stay for more than a day. Panzano, like other small towns in Chianti, offers a limited number of hotel-type accommodations. An alternative living arrangement popular in the Italian countryside is Agriturismo or agricultural tourism. In Panzano , Grieve, and nearby villages, an agriturismo experience may include staying in accommodations situated in farms, orchards, or vineyards These accommodations range from cozy country apartments, farmhouses, bread and breakfasts, and Italian-style farm villas.

Panzano is about 30 kilometers away from Florence. Travelers from outside the region may book a flight to Florence, which has the nearest airport in town, the Amerigo Vespucci International Airport. From Florence, travelers can take a SITA bus to Panzano or rent a car and drive south via the Chiantigiana Road State Highway, otherwise known as the SR222. The scenic drive takes an hour and passes through other charming Chianti villages before arriving in Panzano.

Where is Greve, Italy? Deep within the province of Tuscany, lies Greve, Italy or as it is most recently called, Greve in Chianti. Located just 31k south of Florence, the city is known for the Chianti wine it exports, as well as the delicious olive oil and foods that make Tuscany the destination of many tourists who enjoy lovely scenery, delicious food and hearty wine.

It is located in the Val di Greve and named for the flowing river; Greve is the main town in the district that is known for Chianti wine. Connected since ancient times to Rome and Florence, its farmers and traders had easy access to sell their goods, and the town thrived. It was settled before the 11th century, when an monastic settlement was begun on a hill nearby called San Francesco. Later settlement became more widespread in the 13th and 14th centuries, and in the 15th century the Franciscans established a monastery in Greve.

Within the old part of the city, the Franciscan monastery is one of the sites that visitors enjoy, as well as the triangular piazza, known for its fabulous marketplace since ancient times. Other well known sites around the piazza include the Chiesa Santa Croce, a medieval building, which before burning down, was originally built in the 11th century. Rebuilt, it now has a facade in the neo-classic style and is home to a large selection of paintings from the school of the artist, Fra Angelico. Nearby in the piazza is a statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer who navigated North America, and for whom the Verrazzano Bridge in New York is named. The piazza presently hosts restaurants and shops, where one can people watch, as well as visit historic landmarks. Nearby Montefioralle has the flavor of a medieval village, fantastic views, and the church of Santa Stefano, with a Madonna and Child painting from the 13th century.

Visiting Greve in Chianti is a chance to take a tour of the area, by bicycle or walking, exploring the majestic rolling hills of the region, as well as enjoying wine tasting and hearing stories of the area’s agricultural tradition. More chances to explore the food of the area are right within the piazza, with wine tasting and olive oil tasting, as well as local cuisine available from the assortment of restaurants located there. If you love villas, a visit to Vignamaggio is the call: It is a Renaissance villa which was the site of a film, Much Ado About Nothing, and is part of a wine estate and gardens.

With lots of wine tasting and flavorful fresh Italian food, Greve in Chianti is a wine and food lovers choice in the Tuscany province and will enchant and delight. One can even take cooking classes there and repeat the dishes savored in Greve when they return home.