Greve in Chianti

The history of Greve in Chianti is strongly connected with the beautiful Castle of Montefioralle, located above the city.

This small fortified village is a real jewel, where you will find yourself walking along narrow cobbled streets, between houses and stone walls that wind around the ancient castle, the original nucleus of the village. It offers extraordinary views and a breathtaking panorama. Here was born another famous explorer, Amerigo Vespucci.

His ancestral house is located along the main street, and is distinguishable only by the family crest, representing a wasp above the front door. In the center of Greve in Chianti is Piazza Matteotti: the main landmark of Greve and, although it is not a real "square", is the focal point of the city.

What makes this place special (apart from its strange shape) is the portico that outlines three of the sides of the square, which serves as a "frame" for shops, craft shops and restaurants located under the arches.
Some of these shops are particularly famous: they attract the attention of both tourists and locals for their quality and diversity of offer.

Another building located on the square is the Palazzo del Comune, in Renaissance style; next to it, in the middle of the square, is the imposing statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, a famous explorer who discovered Hudson Bay in New York and who was born just a few kilometers north of Greve. On the opposite side of the square to the town hall is the Church of Santa Croce, with its neo-classical facade.

A few steps from the church, there is also the Museum of Sacred Art, located in what was once the hospital of San Francesco, where you can admire the original altar of the adjoining oratory, characterized by a beautiful group of colored terracotta sculptures and other important masterpieces.

Another museum that every wine lover should visit is the Wine Museum.
Particularly interesting is the parish church of San Cresci, hidden in the landscape surrounding Greve.