Nestled among lush green hills and vineyards is the beautiful town of Greve in Chianti. It is a small village with a long history that goes back to at least the 13th century. See old buildings, tour the castle that gave birth to the town and explore the surrounding countryside.
Step into Piazza Matteotti, Greve's triangular-shaped main square. This is the town's nucleus and home to several attractions that are well worth looking at. At its centre is a statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer who voyaged to North America in the early 16th century. Walk through the arched passageways that line the piazza's sides and find shops selling handicrafts, ceramics and souvenirs. Sample Chianti wines in the wine bars and restaurants.
Head over to the piazza’s southernmost corner to find the neoclassical Santa Croce Church, which dates back to the 11th century. View its collection of religious paintings and frescoes. A few steps away from the church is the Museum of Sacred Art, situated in the former monastery of San Francesco. The museum’s highlights include a 14th-century cross and a marble bas-relief of St. Francis. Visit the square on Saturdays when it hosts an open-air market.
Greve is often referred to as the gateway to Chianti, a central Tuscan region of exceptional pastoral beauty. Discover more of the scenery by taking any of the local hiking and cycling trails. About a 20-minute walk above the village is the Castle of Montefioralle, with a medieval village enclosed within its original walls. In centuries past, Greve served as the marketplace for the castle and other fortresses in the area.
One of the easiest ways to get to Greve in Chianti is by driving along the picturesque roads from Florence. The Tuscan capital and its international airport are approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) north. Bus connections are available between the city and the old town. Come to Greve for its ancient buildings, winemaking heritage and natural beauty.
