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A picturesque lane
in Montefioralle.
As one would expect from an area with a rich three
thousand year history, Chianti is packed with interest and
each visitor should decide ahead of time on which aspects to
concentrate.
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Obviously Tuscan
food and wine will rank high on
the agenda of many visitors since both are excellent in
Chianti. Don't miss a grilled
steak alla fiorentina and a dish prepared with funghi
porcini.
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Architecture buffs will find an
endless variety of castles, villas, abbeys, churches, tower
houses and vernacular architecture throughout the area. Many
Chianti villages are still surrounded by their fortifications and
preserve their mediaeval or even Roman layout.
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History
enthusiasts will find many physical reminders of the great
men of the past. The country home of Amerigo Vespucci is still
standing in Montefioralle,
as are the castle
of the Verazzano family, the house
of Boccaccio in Certaldo and the Machiavelli
family house at Sant'Andrea in Percussina, the site of
Machiavelli's long exile from Florence.
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Paintings,
sculpture and painted terracotta are to be found in almost
every church in Chianti as well as in a number of small Chianti
museums which are well worth a brief visit when you
are in the area.
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If formal gardens are your source of
pleasure, Chianti and nearby areas are the location of
numerous Tuscan
villa gardens.
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As in all of Italy, the year in Chianti
is punctuated by innumerable festivals and fairs. Some
of these are amazingly well done, with almost the entire
populations of towns and villages dressed in elaborate
costumes and competing in dances, crossbow competitions, flag
throwing and
highly skilled horseback competitions. The major Tuscan
festivals, fairs and historical re-enactments should
on no account be missed if the opportunity presents itself.
The following websites are packed with detailed information on
what to see and do in Chianti, Italy:
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Chianti
Travel Guide - up-to-date hints on what to see and do in Chianti.
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Chianti
Tourist Information.
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Chianti,
Italy.
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Tuscany
Tourist Information.
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Bella
Toscana.
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Greve
in Chianti - gateway to Chianti.
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