Gaiole in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti
Situated on the road ss408, from Siena to Montevarchi.
Gaiole in Chianti owes its development to its position in the valley where an important market for the local populations was centered around the year 1000.
Its name likely comes from "gaggiolo" used to indicate a large forest.
Gaiole history
After 1300 Gaiole became important not only as a market but as a tertiary city of the League of Chianti, Florence's administrative and political instrument.
Gaiole was not only an important commercial centre, but it was also important to the clergy, this is evident by the many parish churches and abbeys.
Gaiole today
The area surrounding Gaiole can easily be divided up into outings featuring the abbeys and parish churches or the castles and hamlets.
The oil and the wine found in Gaiole in Chianti today are the jewels of its agriculture and local economy.
Places of interest
Castello di Brolio
The Brolio Castle is truly spectacular and was so even after its neo-gothic transformation that took place in the second half of the 19th century.
The history of the Brolio Castle begins in the latter part of the 12th century. Its name is tied to the family of the Ricasoli Firidolfi who took sides with Florence against Siena. The Castle was invaded by the Sienese in 1252.
The Castle was altered and transformed over the years before the definitive 19th century version realized by Baron Bettino Ricasoli. Today you can visit the interior, the neo-Gothic Saint Jacop's Chapel, the observation deck and the palace with its beautiful tapestries.
