Situated on a hill, 578 meters above sea level, overlooking the river valleys of the Pesa, Arbia and Elsa, Castellina in Chianti is one of the most important villages of Chianti and a famous resort area.

Castellina in Chianti, is an interesting medieval town of Etruscan origins, of this period are witness the many Etruscan tombs that are located nearby, as the Tumulus of Montecalvario, which is located just outside of the village along the road 222, this is a Tumulus burial of considerable dimension, with a diameter of 50 meters, it consists of four Hypogeum tombs dating back to the seventh-sixth century BC, orientated following the cardinal points. Near the village of Fonterutoli is the Necropolis of Poggino with other Etruscan tombs.

During the Middle Ages Castellina in Chianti was feud and military outpost of the Gentlemen of the Trebbio, in 13th century it became the capital of one of terzieri of the League of Chianti (Lega del Chianti), which stretched on the territories of Gaiole in Chianti and Radda in Chianti. In later centuries it became an important outpost of the Republic of Florence against Siena, in the fifteenth century, Florentine Republic decided to strengthen its defences with the construction of a new and mighty walls, with two gates, fortified by numerous square towers and a rectangular mighty fortress placed on top of the hill.

The fifteenth-century fortress now houses a Antiquarium (Museo Archeologico del Chianti Senese) with Etruscan finds. The old town has a medieval layout of which is testimony Via delle Volte, a covered road set against the ancient walls.

Museo Archeologico del Chianti Senese (Archaeological Museum of Chianti Senese)

Useful information:

The Museum is located inside the fortress in Piazza del Comune in Castellina in Chianti.

Opening Hours: The museum is open from Monday to Sunday with the following time: 10-18.30 Closed on Wednesday.

Prices of entry: Ticket Euro 3.00; Ticket reduced Euro 2.00; ticket for groups Euro 1.50; Ticket for school groups Euro 1.00. Admission free for children age 6 years or less. Reduced ticket for university students equipped with booklet, people with more than 65 years old, members of voluntary organisations of Chianti Senese, children from 7 to 14 years. 

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly market Castellina in Chianti: saturday
Via IV Novembre 8.00-13.00

Weekly market in Castellina Scalo: thursdays
Piazza della Pace 8.00-13.00

Tourist Information Office - Castellina in Chianti
Centro Servizi Turistici
Via Ferruccio 40
tel. +39 0577 741392 - fax +39 0577 741393

SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION IN CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI:

Castellina in Chianti, Siena

The typical via delle Volte, Castellina in Chianti, Siena