Essential Tuscany

Greve in Chianti

History

Greve in Chianti is located at what was a historically important axis in the road and has been built around its triangular piazza lined with porticoes and markets and is always busting and lively with people. Sitting in the Val di Greve, it is the principal town in the Chianti wine district which stretches from Florence to near Siena and carries the local wines from all around the region which is a main feature in visiting it. It is located well off of the main roads but has always been an important town, even in ancient days because of its connections to Via Volteranna and Via Francigena which have been the source of its importing and exporting of great wines, goods and local produce.

Description

This market town is know for its offerings of wines from all over the Chianti Classico region and allows its patrons special wine tastings from the numerous enotecas and wine shops lining the porticoes around its triangular Piazza Matteotti. The charming shops, restaurants and markets encourage shoppers and tourists to visit from around Tuscany and all over Italy. The surrounding areas include the famous Castello Verrazzano, private villas and local wine producing vineyards.

What to See

Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chianti- is very likely the site of the original market place around which Greve has grown during the past 500 years. One of its attractions are the arched loggias that line its three sides, providing welcome shade to shoppers during mid-summer.

Church of Santa Croce- which houses some beautiful paintings of the school of Fra Angelico, is located at the southern apex of the piazza, and a lane of shops leads off from the northern side.

Bronze Statue of Giovanni Verrazzano- A great explorer from the 1500's, one of the first to give accounts of the new land, America, back to Europe. Giovanni was eventually killed and eaten by cannibals in Antilles islands near the Bahamas on his last voyage across the pacific.

Antiques Fair- This biannual Antique Fair held in Piazza Matteotti is on Easter Monday and the 2nd Sunday of October and features original and reproductions of rustic furniture from Tuscany and Spain, old tools, vineyard artifacts, ceramics, glassware, books, paintings and much more. Along the square the famous porchetta, cheeses, honeys and dried fruits are also available for sale.

Chianti Classico Wine Festival- Held on September 12, 13 & 14 this year, this wine festival features wines from all across Tuscany as well as tastings, events, operas, dances and special entertainment.

Flower Festival- Held May 3rd & 4th.