Panzano In Chianti: Castle, Art and Wine Country

Panzano in Chianti combines the wine country of the Conca d’Oro with a historic townscape. Surrounded by vineyards, a valley lies below the town, where rows of vines, olive groves and forests form a mosaic. The castle, church and works of art also bear witness to several centuries of history. Those wishing to combine nature, wine and culture in one destination will find a range of opportunities here.

Between the Castle Walls and Medieval Art

The Castello di Panzano has been documented since the 11th century. Much of its medieval curtain wall has survived, offering views of the surrounding hills. The medieval bell tower of the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Panzano was formerly a corner tower of the Castello di Panzano. The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Panzano was rebuilt in the 19th century on the remains of an earlier medieval church.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria contains a small 14th-century panel depicting the Madonna and Child, attributed to Francesco di Ser Cenni. Another panel from the late 15th century is attributed to the Florentine painter Bernardo di Stefano Rosselli. It depicts Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, Jerome and Francis; at its centre is a late-14th-century Madonna and Child. The church also contains a chapel with an Annunciation attributed to Michele Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio.

The Pieve di San Leolino is located in the immediate vicinity of Panzano in Chianti. The Romanesque church is documented from the 10th century and was rebuilt in Romanesque style in the first half of the 12th century. It is located just over one kilometre from the Castello di Panzano. The Pieve contains a polyptych executed by Mariotto di Nardo in 1421, depicting the Madonna and Child with saints, as well as 16th-century glazed terracotta works attributed to Giovanni della Robbia.

Wine Country and Trails

The forests around Panzano contain numerous trails marked by the CAI, suitable for hiking or mountain biking. During “Vino al Vino in Cantina”, local producers open their wine cellars to wine lovers and wine tasters in May. The “Vino al vino” event takes place every year in Panzano on the third weekend of September.

Wine and Cuisine as Part of the Town’s Character

Palagio di Panzano offers an experience in its own vineyards, wine cellar and at the table, conveying the Tuscan or, more specifically, Panzanese way of life. Dario Cecchini’s culinary philosophy follows the principle of “from snout to tail”: nothing should be wasted, and every part of the animal has its place in the kitchen. When planning your trip, you can use this combination of landscape, culture, wine and cuisine as a basis for choosing a hotel in Panzano In Chianti according to how you wish to spend your days.

More Destinations for Orientation

Dudda, Lucolena In Chianti, Passo Dei Pecorai, Cintoia, Lamole, San Polo In Chianti, Le Bolle and Pieve Di Panzano

For the overarching travel overview: Greve In Chianti.