Radda in Chianti: Wine, History and Culture
Wine Country with a Long History
Radda in Chianti is a typical Chianti town surrounded by vineyards. The town’s existence has been documented since the 9th century BC; recently discovered archaeological finds attest to its Etruscan origins. Radda was also the former capital of the Lega del Chianti. The town’s history thus combines a very early past with the Chianti wine landscape.
Winegrowing as Part of the Town’s Identity
On 14 May 1924, 33 winegrowers from the region founded the Consorzio per la Difesa del Vino Chianti e della sua Marca di Origine in Radda.
At the Casa del Chianti Classico, a sensory tour offers an introduction to Chianti Classico. This is complemented by guided wine tastings and a tasting menu in the former monastery, combining food and wine. The offerings present different ways of experiencing Chianti side by side.
At Radda nel Bicchiere, wines from Radda in Chianti are tasted together with local producers. The initiative of Radda in Chianti’s Pro Loco offers visitors and wine tourists a wine tasting throughout the town.
Squares, Churches and Historic Spaces
The 14th-century Palazzo del Podestà is located on the central Piazza Ferrucci in the heart of the town. After restoration and refurbishment, it was officially reopened to the public in 2008. The palazzo is fully accessible.
The palazzo houses former prisons and exhibition spaces with original vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls.
The Propositura di San Niccolò has a monumental Neo-Gothic façade designed by Carlo Coppedè in 1926. Santa Maria al Prato is a Romanesque church with a 15th-century altarpiece by Neri Di Bicci depicting the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child.
The Poggio La Croce Archaeological Park is an open-air archaeological museum in an area of significant archaeological, historical, landscape and ecological value.
On Foot through the Town and Countryside
Radda’s paved lanes and gardens bordered by dry-stone walls can be explored on foot. Traces of Radda in Chianti’s medieval walls can be seen at Porta Valdarnese and Porta Fiorentina.
The Sulle tracce di Leo Lionni trail begins at Podere Pescinale in the municipality of Radda in Chianti and leads to unusual sculptures created by Leo Lionni.
The permanent Eroica route runs through Chianti via the Crete to Val d’Orcia along white roads.
When choosing a hotel for your stay in Radda, you can make your preferred experiences the starting point for your planning: wine tastings, local history, architecture, walks and scenic routes represent different ways of experiencing the town.
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