Montefioralle : A Medieval Hamlet in the Chianti Region
A classic Tuscan landscape as seen from the town wall in Montefioralle
Chianti is a region of green hillsides covered in vines and olive trees and dotted with tall cypress trees. There are farmhouses and wineries (producing the famous Chianti wine) and a series of small hamlets high up on hilltops. These little villages recall a medieval past and ancient rivalries between the city states of Siena and Florence. Best of all, they offer amazing views over the Tuscan landscape.
A view of a hillside in the Chianti Region from the village of Montefioralle
One such village is the tiny hamlet of Montefioralle (population about 100) just west of, and high above, the town of Greve in Chianti. The road to Montefioralle begins just before entering Greve with a steep climb up a winding, narrow road. The climb is a bit intimidating (I was glad I wasn’t the driver!) but it doesn’t take long to reach the village.
The medieval streets of Montefioralle
It is quickly evident why the town is included in the list of I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy). Picture narrow cobblestone streets lined with small stone dwellings, graceful arches of stone and brick, tiny alleyways that surprise with spectacular views, a central castle, and remnants of the wall and towers which once surrounded the village. This is medieval history come to life.
Now, add in pretty window boxes and doorways filled with flowers (still vibrant even on a very chilly October day), beautiful wooden doors, green vines growing over doorways and arches, fig and apple trees in gardens along the road, and a church sitting up high in the town.
It might have been a cold and windy fall day, but there were plenty of pretty flowers still to be seen by the houses in Montefioralle
On the edge of town, beyond the streets that wrap around the castle, are far-reaching views of the Chianti countryside. The orderly groves of olive trees and the long rows of grapevines, with just a hint of early fall color, paint a classically Tuscan picture.
Montefioralle is an enchanting town and makes a perfect detour when driving through this region. It pairs well with a visit to Greve and the nearby town of Panzano. A most beautiful village indeed!