Castellina in Chianti
Welcome to Castellina in Chianti!
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Castellina in Chianti, a beautiful municipality of 2,701 inhabitants in the province of Siena, in Tuscany. If you are looking for a place to spend a relaxing vacation surrounded by nature, Castellina could be the perfect choice for you.
Physical geography
Territory
The municipal territory of Castellina in Chianti covers 99.45 square kilometers and is located on the hills between the Val d'Elsa, the Val di Pesa, and the Valle del Arbia (stream). With its altimetric range that goes from a minimum of 180 m above sea level in the Castellina Scalo area to a maximum of 626 m above sea level in the Monte Cavallaro area, you can enjoy wonderful views. Moreover, the town center is situated at 578 m above sea level. And do you know what's most interesting? The entire territory of Castellina is part of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium!
Castellina in Chianti borders the municipalities of Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Monteriggioni, Poggibonsi, Barberino Val d'Elsa, and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.
Climate and seismicity
The climate of Castellina in Chianti is classified as zone E, with 2,326 degree days. The nearest meteorological station to the town center is that of Poggibonsi Strozzavolpe. It is important to know that the municipality falls within zone 3S for seismicity, so some seismic movements could occur, but nothing to worry about, of course.
History
From the Etruscan era to the 11th century
Castellina in Chianti has a very ancient history. In fact, there are evidences of the presence of the Etruscans in the area! The Montecalvario tumulus, an Etruscan tomb located near the town and dated from the 7th century BC to the 6th century BC, and the Necropolis of Poggino attest to their ancient presence.
The first certain documents, instead, date back to the 11th century, when the area was a fiefdom of the nobles of the Castle of Trebbio, a family related to the Guidi counts.
The influence of Florence
In the 12th century Castellina came under the influence of Florence, and in 1193 an agreement was reached between the lords of Trebbio and Florence granting the Florentines the military garrisoning of the castles of Trebbio and Castiglione (the present-day Castellina). After the Poggibonsi Agreement of 1203, an act that established the Chianti borders between Florence and Siena, Castellina became one of the most important Florentine outposts on the most direct road connecting the two rival cities.
From the 14th century to today
In the 14th century Castellina became one of the bastions of the Chianti League, so much so as to head one of the terzieri into which it was divided. The "Terziere di Castellina" administered the part of Chianti that slopes towards Valdelsa. In 1397 it was sacked and entirely burned by the troops of the Duke of Milan Gian Galeazzo Visconti commanded by Alberico da Barbiano. In 1400 it was decided to fortify Castellina, and in the list of reforms kept at the State Archive of Florence it is written "They will make for Castellina in Chianti a fort made of simple bricks", but the works must have proceeded slowly, so that in 1430 the workers of the Opera del Duomo were commissioned to fortify Castellina together with Staggia Senese and Rèncine. The famous Florentine architect Filippo Brunelleschi was sent to establish the type of necessary interventions and make an estimate of the costs.
There you have it, now you know the history of our beautiful municipality!
Conclusions
But Castellina in Chianti is not only history and nature! The municipality offers wonderful experiences for tourists, such as wine tastings, visits to wineries, excursions in the woods and vineyards, and much more. There are also many restaurants where you can taste local typical dishes.
I hope I have intrigued you enough to come and visit Castellina in Chianti at least once in your life. Personally, I find it a unique place in the world. And you, what do you think?
