Discovering the surroundings of Castelvecchi

Cities of art and unmissable places

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chianti Classico, Castelvecchi is a small rural gem in the municipality of Radda in Chianti, in the province of Siena. This historic village, surrounded by centuries-old vineyards and oak forests, offers an ideal starting point for exploring some of Tuscany’s most fascinating cities of art and numerous places of cultural, landscape and food and wine interest.

Radda in Chianti: the medieval heart of the territory

A few minutes from Castelvecchi is Radda in Chianti, the ancient seat of the Lega del Chianti. The village retains its medieval charm intact with its fortified walls, narrow paved streets and the Palazzo del Podestà decorated with noble coats of arms. Also worth a visit is the Romanesque Church of San Niccolò and a walk along the panoramic walkway that embraces the Chianti hills.

Castellina in Chianti and the Via delle Volte

About 15 km from Castelvecchi you reach Castellina in Chianti, another important center of the region. The village is known for the Via delle Volte, a suggestive covered passage dug between the medieval walls. Also not to be missed is the Rocca, which houses a small archaeological museum, and the Etruscan tombs of Montecalvario, evidence of the ancient history of the area.

Gaiole in Chianti and the wine castles

Continuing east you come across Gaiole in Chianti, a small center immersed in the countryside. In its surroundings are some of the most famous castles of Chianti: Castello di Brolio, belonging to the Ricasoli family, is an imposing fortress with a spectacular view of the vineyards; Castello di Meleto, on the other hand, combines history, art and wine, with the possibility of visiting cellars and ancient frescoed rooms.

Siena: UNESCO World Heritage Site

About a 40-minute drive from Castelvecchi, Siena is one of the unmissable destinations for those staying in the area. The city is famous for the Palio, but it offers much more: the Duomo, the Museum Complex of Santa Maria della Scala, Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia are just some of its artistic wonders. The medieval atmosphere that can be felt in its districts is unique in the world.

Florence: cradle of the Renaissance

A little over an hour’s drive away is Florence, a city that symbolizes the Renaissance and a treasure trove of masterpieces. The Uffizi, the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti are must-sees for any art lover. But even for those looking for just a stroll through elegance and history, Florence will enchant.

San Gimignano and Volterra: the charm of the towers and the Etruscans

For an alternative day trip, you can visit San Gimignano, known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” for its towers, and Volterra, an Etruscan city perched on a hill, famous for its alabaster and mysterious atmosphere. Both offer breathtaking views, excellent cuisine and a leap in time between art and history.

Monteriggioni: the castle suspended in time

Another pearl in the surroundings of Castelvecchi is Monteriggioni, about 35 km away. This perfectly preserved fortified village seems to have come out of a history book. Its circular walls, dotted with 14 crenellated towers, enclose a small medieval center where time seems to have stopped. Walking along the walls, visiting the Museum of Armor or participating in the famous Medieval Festival of Monteriggioni in the summer, means immersing yourself in a suggestive and timeless atmosphere. Dante himself mentioned it in the Divine Comedy, testifying to the historical and symbolic importance of this place.

Conclusion

The surroundings of Castelvecchi are a concentration of beauty and culture, capable of satisfying every type of traveler: from the art lover to the curious about history, from the wine connoisseur to the simple enthusiast of postcard landscapes. Exploring these places means living an authentic experience in the true heart of Tuscany.