CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI

The discovery of Etruscan and Roman tombs and remains is proof of the ancient origins of Castellina. The first written documents go back to the XI century. Florence and Siena fought over the Chianti area from the beginning of the XII century and the Florentine Republic conquered much of this region in 1176. Like many many other places in the Chianti, at the end of the XII century, it fell under Florentine jurisdiction (1193), and the town also became part of the so-called "Chianti League". Some remains of the imposing defensive architecture (like the towers) still surround Castellina. The walls are interrupted at the highest point by an imposing rectangular-shaped "Cassero" (castle), restored at the beginning of the XX century. "Via delle Volte" also still exists, and it is the only usable part left of the underground corridors that once existed all around the walls. The Castellina area is full of ruins of mediaeval castles like Monternano, Grignano, Pietrafitta. The Pieve of Sant'Agnese and the Pieve of Santa Cristina a Lilliano are very interesting churches. Moreover, many well preserved churches and beautiful farmhouses characterize the whole territory.