Panzano
Panzano
Situated on the Chiantigiana road, the ss222
Between Castellina and Greve arises Panzano, a highly populated centre of Chianti who had lived a tormented history caused by the bloody quarrels between Florence and Siena.
Panzano history
The medieval castle became seriously damaged during the battle of Montaperti in 1260, but today there is still visible a good part of the town walls and the two massive towers located at the sides of the parish church and the fortified walls.
Parish church
The parish church of Panzano depended upon the country church of San Leonino, located three kilometers from the town. It was built in the Romanesque style before the year one thousand, the church with its nave and double aisles, holds precious works of art of which a triptych represented the Virgin Mary sitting on the throne with angels and saints, attributed to Mariotto di Nardo.
Places of interest
Badia a Passignano
On the Sienese road of Sambuca, one reaches the splendid Badia a Passignano with its small centre, the tower house and the church of Saint Baigio where rests the remains of frescos dated in the five hundreds. The Abbey, founded in 1049, became right away an imposing fortified monastery complex, including the church with a single nave in the form of the Latin cross of Saint Michael Archangle.
Inside are conserved frescos and important paintings, which include the frescos of the main chapel, by Domenico Cresti, nicknamed "Passignano" and the paintings of Saint Giovanni Gualberto in which is dedicated the chapel.
The monastery is still today occupied by the Valombrosiani monk community and you may see the monastery with a guided visit to discover its preserved treasures.
