Chiantishire

A BRIEF HISTORY

The name Chianti evokes the image of an ancient and storied land—a land whose turbulent history begins with the Etruscans, passes through the Romans, the Lombards, and the rival factions of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, and unfolds with the rise of the communes and the struggles between Empire and Papacy.

Today, Chianti Classico represents the mature flowering of a venerable tradition, unmatched in the history of viticulture.

Secluded in the rolling hills between Florence and Siena, Chianti is a microcosm of Italy’s stormy past. The spirit of the Etruscans endures in local customs and in the enigmatic smiles of Chianti villagers. Roman estates, built centuries ago, remain a blueprint for modern farmhouses, while Lombard fortresses, Romanesque abbeys, and medieval churches still define the landscape.

In the late Middle Ages, Chianti was at the heart of Italy’s turbulent history and the stage for decisive battles.

Many medieval structures were lost during the Aragonese invasions of the fifteenth century, yet the region has preserved a profound continuity with its past—most notably through the production of its renowned wines, a living testament to centuries of tradition and craftsmanship.

Badia a Montescalari historical monument in Figline Valdarno in Chianti

Badia a Montescalari - XI century

reachable on foot from the farm

The "Castello di Celle" is a historical castle in Chianti of the XI century. It is located in Figline Valdarno in the heart in Chianti

HOUSES AND CASTELS IN CHIANTISHIRE

Throughout the Middle Ages, the Chianti countryside, dotted with castles, was shaped by an aristocracy that owned the land, and by a hardworking population that carried on the ancient Roman-Etruscan traditions—cultivating vineyards, producing olive oil and cereals, and raising livestock of every kind.

Over time, the castles lost their dominion and their protective role faded. The prosperous villagers and merchants began building their own homes, welcoming those who had worked the castle lands. In return for their labor, these families were allowed to retain half of their produce, nurturing a sense of independence and community that would shape the enduring character of Chianti.

Castello di Celle - XI century

reachable on foot from the farm

TRADITIONAL FAMILIES

In the heart of “Chiantishire”, families once lived in complete self-sufficiency. They produced their olive oil, cultivated vineyards, grains, maize, and forage for their animals, spun wool from their own sheep for clothing, and crafted their tools, furniture, and utensils—a life in perfect harmony with the land.

The traditional farmhouse was an elongated structure, with cellars and stables on the ground floor, living quarters above, and storage for fodder and food at the top—a testament to practicality and the rhythms of rural life. Over the last twenty years, the region has experienced a revival, with renewed population and modernized agriculture breathing life back into the cultivation of vineyards, olive groves, and orchards.

Today, these historic farmhouses are in high demand by those seeking a return to a life attuned to nature, where the pace of the land and the beauty of the Tuscan landscape are the true measures of luxury.

Pian D'Albero

reachable on foot from the farm

HISTORY AND MEMORY OF THE XX CENTURY

During the Second World War, the Cavicchi family’s Casolare in Pian d’Albero (Figline Valdarno) became a gathering place for young men and women joining the partisan resistance.

On June 20, 1944, German forces attacked the casolare. In the ensuing tragedy, 16 people were killed and over 100 taken prisoner. While many prisoners were later released, 19 partisans and 3 peasants were executed in the valley.

Today, Pian d’Albero stands as a solemn symbol of courage and the struggle for liberation, a poignant reminder of the region’s resilience and the sacrifices that shaped its history.