Itinerary 1Setting out from Gaiole and following the SS 408 road towards Siena for aprox. 7 km, take the road to the right towards Lecchi and then turn right again to the castle of Monteluco, which dominates the entire valley of the stream Massellone. The castle is first mentioned in 1175, when Siena was forced to hand it over to Florence. Situated as it was in such a strategic position, it was afterwards contested by Siena on numerous occasions.
The castle consists of two parts: an outpost slightly below the top of the hill with a mighty stone tower, and a large complex at the top with a central courtyard, which is accessible through an elegant arch.
On the other side of the valley we find the large tower of Tornano, tenaciously defended by Guarnellotto Mazzalombardi because of its dominating strategic position. It is an imposing stone structure, slightly trapezoidal in shape with buttresses and many original arches.
The territory of Gaiole is rich in interesting rural settlements. Before reaching Lecchi, turn left to discover the medieval village of San Sano with its Romanesque stone houses. Carrying on uphill past Lecchi towards Radda, you will find Ama, Casanuova di Ama and San Polo with its splendid fortified parish church of San Polo in Rosso. By the year 1300 this church already had the appearance of a fortress. It belonged to the Ricasoli family, but was taken by the Sienese in 1478, only to return under Florentine rule in 1483.
The church consists of an nave and two side aisles incorporated in a large castle with many arrow slits, two interesting round towers and buttressed corners. There is a charming courtyard with a well and an elegant loggia.
Returning to the provincial road, take the road towards Adine and afterwards the one to the left towards Galenda and San Giusto in Salcio, a parish church in the purest Romanesque style, and finally towards Le Selve, a settlement spectacularly situated on a hilltop.
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Official Site of the Tourist Information Offices of
Castellina in Chianti,
Gaiole in Chianti and
Radda in Chianti.
Last change: 24. 04. 2008
