Chianti Attractions

Visible in the distance amidst tall cypresses is Badia a Passignano (6km/3.75mi west of Montefioralle), a Gothic monastery founded in 1049 by Saint John Giualberto who established the Vallombrosan Order of Benedictines. The refectory is graced by an exceptional "Last Supper" painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio in 1476.

Next stop on the Chiantigiana is Castellina in Chianti (population 3,000). Just outside this trim medieval village on the Florentine/Sienese border there is an Etruscan tumulus (Montecalvario, seventh century). Castellina itself is dominated by its early 15th century castle. The parish church boasts a fresco by Bicci di Lorenzo, also 15th century.

The castle in the little hamlet of Volpaia (population 150) 5km/3mi north of Radda is first mentioned in a document dating back to 1172. Its present owner Giovanella Stianti-Mascheroni is the daughter of the publisher. Every September the castle is turned into an art gallery with exhibitions of art.

The wooded countryside around Lamole at the foot of Monte San Michele (893m/2,930ft) south of Greve, offers pleasant walking. The nearby Villa Vignamaggio (14th century) is said to have been the childhood home of the beautiful young woman who was the model for Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa".

A pyramid on the hill opposite the little village of Montaperti (8km/5mi south of Castello di Brolio) commemorates the decisive battle fought here in 1260 which gave Siena final victory over Florence.

Connoisseurs should not be deterred by the at times very steep 2km/1.25mile road to the neighboring village of Montefioralle where excellent olive oil is produced. The Chiesa San Stefano is the start of an agreeable circular tour of this charming medieval village, its marketplace ringed by shady, leaf-covered walks.

Panzano, up to the right of the SS 222 (1km/.75mi; 498m/1,634ft), is an enchanting little spot, definitely not to be missed. Be sure also to visit the Romanesque Pieve di San Leolino, a short distance further on along the main road. Among its treasures is a 13th century triptych by the Master of Panzano.