Lecchi in Chianti: Village History, Castles and Cycling Route

Lecchi Between Village History and Chianti

Lecchi is a small Tuscan village that developed around the parish house of San Martino. The village is considered to date back to the 11th century. Its history is also reflected in the tradition of San Martino: The festival included a religious ceremony and a communal gathering and returned as an old Chianti tradition. San Martino thus represents both the development of the village and the site's traditional festival customs.

Castello di Monteluco

Castello di Monteluco is at the heart of the historic village landscape. Its main building stands on a hill above the Massellone Valley. Parts of its old walls and an ancient defensive tower have been preserved. Castello di Monteluco was first mentioned in a record dated to 998. This record recalls a donation by Margrave Ugo of Tuscany to the Abbey of San Michele in Poggio Marturi.

Castles, Museum and Palace in the Surrounding Area

The castle of “Castello di Meleto” is located in the immediate vicinity of Lecchi. The surrounding area also features the castle “Castle of Brolio,” the museum “Museo dell'Acqua” and the palace “Palazzo Spanocchi.” The area around Lecchi thus extends beyond the village's history to include other culturally significant sites.

Mountains Around Lecchi

Several mountains are also located around Lecchi: Monte Luco, Poggio Cavallari, Monte Querciabella and Monte Calvarino.

Cycling Route and Road Connection

A sporting perspective is offered by the 31-kilometre circular route “Tra le vigne e le fattorie di Radda in Chianti.” The route is suitable for gravel or mountain bikes and includes a stop in Lecchi in Chianti. There, the cycling loop offers an opportunity to stop for a rest or refreshments. The stop in Lecchi can be included in the loop as a break for resting or having refreshments. At 31 kilometres, the loop has a clearly defined length for personal day planning. Depending on the type of bike, personal pace and planned breaks, the riding time will vary. The route length therefore does not indicate a fixed travel time. Anyone planning the loop can decide how long to stay in Lecchi based on their own break schedule. In addition, the S.P. 408 between Gaiole in Chianti and Siena runs through the village of Lecchi. The cycling loop and the road connection therefore offer different ways to include Lecchi in a journey.

Tuscan Cuisine and Local Tradition

In Malborghetto, a culinary experience offers the opportunity to prepare classic Tuscan dishes yourself and then taste them together with Chianti Classico wines. The sequence of preparation followed by tasting divides the culinary programme into two successive parts. The food and wine form part of a process that begins with preparing the dishes yourself and ends with tasting them together.

More places for trip planning: San Vincenti, Monti, Castagnoli

For the broader travel overview: Gaiole In Chianti.