Surroundings

Within walking distance - The San Leolino church visible from our gardens is one of the most renowned religious structures in the Chianti region, worthy of a visit. It maintains the architectural style of Romanesque parish churches, with a Renaissance-style portico preceding its facade and a bell tower in the background. Inside, it houses a collection of fascinating Renaissance artworks. Adjacent to the church is a charming and intimate fourteenth-century cloister, adding to its appeal.

Within walking distance - Dario Cecchini, the "World's Most Famous Butcher," is a famous figure in Tuscan cuisine. With his vibrant personality and theatrical style, Cecchini draws food enthusiasts to his shop, Antica Macelleria Cecchini (eight generations of butchers!), where they experience the finest cuts of meat and genuine Tuscan hospitality. Through his passion for preserving culinary traditions and advocating for ethical meat consumption, Dario Cecchini has earned legendary status in the culinary world.

At less than 45 mn by car -The Certosa di Firenze, situated atop a hill south of Florence, was among the most influential monasteries in Europe, housing 500 works of art until Napoleon's plundering. Constructed by Niccolò Acciaioli, a prominent Florentine, in 1341, it aimed to serve as both a religious center and an educational institution. The church opens onto a spacious Renaissance cloister adorned with a large well and terracottas crafted by Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia in the 15th and 16th centuries. Additionally, it boasts several lunettes by Pontormo, also dating back to the 16th century.

At less than 45 mn by car - The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance needs little introduction. Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, if not the world. With its magnificent cultural, architectural and artistic heritage, lying on the picturesque Arno River and surrounded by the lovely hills of Tuscany, it is a city of richness and splendour not to be missed. Florence is 29 km away from the Villa Le Barone.

At 50 mn by car - The well–preserved medieval city of Sienna stands 33 km south of the Villa Le Barone. Apart from its charming and traditional narrow streets Sienna is best known for its stunning black and white Romanesque cathedral, and the Piazza del Campo, the unique shell-shaped piazza in the city centre where the famous horse race, Il Palio, is run twice each year in the summer.

At 50 mn by car - San Gimignano is a medieval walled city particularly worth visiting for its historic town centre and numerous towers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is 40 km south-west of Villa Le Barone. During your visit, why not taste a glass of the well-known local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

The Chianti hills surrounding Villa Le Barone feature a variety of charming villages and abbeys. En route to San Gimignano, you'll encounter beautiful medieval hamlets like Montefioralle, Badia a Passignano, Volpaia, and Gaiole in Chianti, each showcasing superb examples of medieval rural architecture in Tuscany. Among them, Montefiorale stands out with its original medieval village layout and intact defensive walls. Castellina in Chianti offers attractions such as its "Rocca," an intriguing Etruscan Museum, and the historic "via delle Volte" pathway designed for city protection. Radda in Chianti is another notable destination. Additionally, Badia a Passignano is renowned for its superb frescoes, including those in the refectory painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio and his brother Davide.