Greve in Chianti is often considered the front door to the Chianti area. This small village lies, indeed, between Florence and Siena, welcoming you at the entrance of Chianti. It's a must-see when visiting Tuscany! Here’s some tips about what to see in this beautiful area.
A bit of history
Due to its strategic geographic position, Greve was in the past considered important for markets and trades. Its triangular square is indeed a reminiscence of the three major connections of Tuscany: Strada Chiantigiana, Valdarno and Val di Pesa. The “portici” that frame the main square are a proof of the use of this place as a market, which originally sold hand-made products and it’s now a touristic destination. The connection with the past is still visible in some shops, such as L’Antica Macelleria Falorni, which opened its shop in 1844 in the main square, or the Enoteca del Chianti Classico with its infinite variety of wines. All right, enough history for today! Let's now talk about what to see in Greve once you're there.
What to visit in Greve
Art in Italy is visible in little villages too: a walk in Greve's main square, for instance, will lead you to the Santa Croce church, a lovely building with Medieval implant renewed in the Renaissance period. It hosts some beautiful works of art, such as the Madonna col bambino by Lorenzo di Bicci. The centre of the square is occupied by a big statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian navigator born in Greve. You can then explore all the workshops of the village, where artisans create handicrafts of extreme beauty and care. La Bottega dell’Artigiano, for example, is famous for its hand-woven baskets and products made with olive wood. Last but not least, Greve in Chianti is also known for the many traditional events organized in town: there is a tourist office in the main square which will update you about the event’s schedule of the week.
Montefioralle
If you find yourself in Greve, you can’t miss its neighbor Montefioralle, which lies on a hill just above the village. Montefioralle is a fortified Medieval town where Amerigo Vespucci had his house. This beautiful tiny village hosts a small church and an ancient donjon on the top of the hill. Used as a military fortification in the past, Montefioralle is today a hidden treasure with unique views on Chianti’s hills and a natural environment where to relax.
Cellars and events
We can’t avoid to mention the prosperous quantity of cellars set in Greve. If you’re interested in knowing more about Chianti’s wines and in tasting them, Greve has a lot to say. You can join our Tour to visit some important and famous cellars of the area. You will have the possibility to try some of the best wines of Chianti surrounded by barriques and a strong perfume of must, but also to taste pecorino cheese, balsamic vinegar, finocchiona, truffle and extra-virgin olive oil. Not enough? Our bus will drive through the famous via Chiantigiana and its hills, which is one of the most panoramic roads in Tuscany. Sounds good, doesn't it? Be captivated by the charme of Chianti, you won't regret it!