Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
The most convenient car park is at the southern edge of town off Via IV Novembre (€1/5
per hour/day).
Radda in Chianti
POP 1688
Shields and escutcheons add a dash of drama to the facade of 16th-century
Palazzo del
Podestà
on the main square in this important wine centre 11km east of Castellina in Chi-
anti. The
tourist office
( 0577 73 84 94; proradda@chiantinet.it; Piazza Castello 2; 10am-1pm &
3-7pm Easter-Sep, 10.30am-12.30pm & 3.30-6.30pm Oct-Easter)
can book accommodation and
tours for this pocket of Chianti, and supply information about walks in the area.
Around Radda in Chianti
Sights & Activities
Castello di Brolio
( 0577 73 02 80;
www.ricasoli.it
;
self-guided tour of garden, chapel & crypt €5, guided tour of museum,
chapel & crypt €8; 10am-5.30pm mid-Mar-Nov, guided tours every 30 minutes 10am-1pm &
2.30-5.30pm Tue-Sun)
The ancestral estate of the aristocratic Ricasoli family dates from the
11th century and is the oldest winery in Italy. Currently home to the 32nd baron, it opens
its formal garden, panoramic terrace and museum to day trippers.
Occupying three rooms in the tower, the small but fascinating museum is dedicated to
documenting the fascinating life of Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809-80), the second prime
minster of the Republic of Italy and a true polymath (scientist, farmer, winemaker, states-
man, businessman). A leading figure in the Risorgimento, his greatest claim to fame (in
our view, at least) is that he invented the formula for Chianti Classico that is enshrined in
current DOC regulations.
The estate produces wine and olive oil, and the huge terrace commands a spectacular
view of the vineyards and olive groves. Near the estate carpark is the
Osteria del Castello
(
0577 73 02 90; four-course tasting menu with wines €50; noon-2.30pm & 7.30-9.30pm Fri-Wed
late-Mar-Oct)
and just outside the estate's entrance gates, on the SP484, is a modern
cantina
(
CASTLE
