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Chianti
Villa Chianti Castellare de’ Sernigi is situated in the Chianti area, one of the most characteristic and important areas from a historical, eno-gastronomical and environmental point of view. Villa Castellare de’ Sernigi is right in the middle of the Chianti area, between the Provinces of Florence and Siena.
The name “Chianti” dates right back to the Etruscans who called the area between the Pesa and Arbua Rivers “Clante-i”. The name “Chianti” is known all over the world for its wine but there are also important archaeological sites in this territory - Etruscan, and various others. Many castles were built during the Middle Ages, most of which are still in good repair and open to visitors.
Famous all over the world for the production of it excellent wine, the Chianti territory is a hilly area situated in the centre of Tuscany between Florence and Siena: a succession of medieval hamlets, castles, churches, abbeys, monasteries, manor houses and villas come one after the other in fantastic itineraries which exalt the industriousness and creativity of man. Centuries of work have modeled the hills of this region, alternating vineyards, olive trees and woods in a unique and inimitable harmony. The true heart of Tuscany where one can become reconciled with the rhythms of life.
The classic itinerary for visiting the Chianti area is, without doubt, the so-called “Via Chiantigiana”, a typically rural trail which links Florence to Siena. After the town of Impruneta with its very old Parish Church S. Maria, founded in 1060, comes Greve in Chianti with its typical medieval structure, its castle, and, most of all, for good wine lovers, the Mostra Mercato del Chianti Classico (Chianti Classico wine exhibition and market) which takes place every year in September. Just as interesting is Castellina in Chianti, an ancient Florentine stronghold against Siena, with its mighty Rocca (fortress) and the evocative Via delle Volte – a sort of fortified road along the town walls – one can enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the arrow slits. On the border with the district of Siena is Radda in Chianti with its curious elliptical town planning structure and, most of all, the small fortified hamlet of Volpaia with its castle and labyrinthine maze of paved lanes.
Finally, one can admire the numerous castles in the Gaiole area, especially the one in Brolio, from whose battlements one can get a fantastic view of the entire Chianti area and the Sienese hills. Definitely more livelier and busier is the Via Cassia itinerary which follows the course of the ancient Roman road in a succession of typical towns and, most of all, an incredible number of churches.
The four districts of the Chianti area can be reached from Florence on scheduled inter-urban buses.
Lastly, just to mention Chianti as wine - recognized DOC in 1967 and DOCG in 1984: one of the undisputed flags of Italian oenology in the world.
SAN GALGANO
Location:
The group of historical buildings in San Galgano is located about 30km west of Siena, on the border of the Province of Grosseto, between Monticiano and Chiusdino, in a wild and uncontaminated area rich in natural beauty. Two roads of great historical and economical importance pass through the area: the “Massetana” which links Siena with the coast, passing through Massa Marittima and the Colline Metallifere (Metalliferous Hills) and the very ancient “Strada Maremmana” which unites the heart of Tuscany with Grosseto. The Abbey at San Galgano has, over the centuries, represented an important road junction and reference point for travelers, pilgrims and people of all kinds, in the Val di Merse (Merse Valley) area which is densely populated, rich in parish churches and castles, hamlets, churches, convents and monasteries and extends over the districts of Chiusdino, Monticiano, Sovicille and Murlo where there is one of the most beautiful Etruscan museums in Tuscany.
History:
Galvano Guidotti, son of Guido and Dionisa, was born in 1148 in Chiusdino (Siena), a small village located on a hill not far from the Abbey, in that period of the Middle Ages full of violence, injustice and rape, which was also considered a game, a demonstration of vigor and vitality, but always with the aim of affirming one’s power and increasing one’s sphere of domination. And, like the other knights, Galgano was proud and arrogant too and his adolescence was carefree and frivolous. With the passing of time Galgano became aware of the uselessness of his lifestyle, and suffered the torment of not having a goal in life.
In this mood he matured the desire to change and decided to retreat to the Montesiepi hill, not far from Monticiano. Galgano abandoned his world, disgusted by the past atrocities and those which he saw being continuously committed, in order to dedicate himself to a life of hermitage and repentance in the search for that peace which his epoch did not consent and for that desire and contemplation of God that could only be reached through an ascetic life.
As a tangible sign of eternal renouncement of any form of violence he took his sword and thrust it into a stone protruding out of the ground, with the intention of using it as a cross to pray in front of instead of as a weapon to offend with. A great symbolic gesture of extreme force. It was the year 1180. Galgano died on 3 December 1181. In 1185 he was declared a saint by Pope Lucio III. In the years following his death a small church was built on his hermitage, better known as la Rotonda or Cappella di Montesiepe.
SEMIFONTE, THE LOST CITY
In the latter part of the early Middle Ages, on the hills between Certaldo and Barberino Val d’Elsa (Chianti) stood the Semifonte Castle. Thanks to its strategic position and to its broad-minded politics, the Semifonte Castle became a refuge for all kinds of drifters, refugees and exiles, to the point that it became an evil city, disliked by its powerful neighbours Florence and Siena.
This situation of city-refuge consequently led to a phenomenal demographic growth until the year 1200 when Semifonte was almost the same size as Florence. In about the year 1200 Florence requested Semifonte to limit its growth and to submit to Florentine power, but the reply was a sign attached to the city gate looking towards Florence on which was written “Florentia, get out of the way because Semifonte is becoming a city”.
Florence sent two ambassadors to Semifonte but they were killed and their bodies were left hanging at the city gates for several days. In retaliation Florence sent its armies, accompanied by several mercenaries from Siena - the order was to destroy everything. The entire population was massacred and buried in common graves and the city was reduced to a pile of rubble.
A law prohibited any kind of construction of the Semifonte territory for five centuries, until the Lorena Family, a new noble family from Florence, had a miniature copy of the Florence Cathedral semifonte built – the San Donnino church, where the cursed ancient city used to lie. To reach Semifonte, take the Tavarnelle exit off the Firenze-Siena motorway, then continue towards Siena. Coming out of Barberino Val d’Elsa, turn right in the direction of Certaldo-Empoli and carry on for a few kilometers and you will find the sign on your right.