Page 11: Tuscany: Florence and the Chianti Region 2010

Tuscany: Florence and the Chianti Region 2010

Tuscany is a region in central Italy knows for its landscapes, artistic legacy, wines and food. It produces a variety of different wines including Chianti. Florence, Pisa and Siena are within the Tuscany Region.

Florence

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany Region of Italy. Today we have a short visit of Florence in the morning and then we head off for the Chianti country-side for lunch at a winery/castle and a visit to the City of Greve to explore a wine store where a number of Chianti wineries have their wares on sale.

Florence is a smallish city (approximately 350,000 citizens), but it is beautiful beyond belief. It is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

The Renaissance was inspired by one of Florence's wealthiest families: the Medicis. The Medicis originally derived their wealth from the textile trade, but later became the most powerful bankers in Europe. A number of Popes come from the Medici family and the Medicis were strong supporters of art.  

This is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and famous art galleries in the world. This building was erected by the Medici family in the mid 14th century as the offices of the Florentine magistrates (court of law).

I fell in love with the Ponte Vecchio - a closed stone bridge that crosses the Arno River. Crossing the bridge is like being inside a mall with shops on either side. Most of these shops sell exquisite and expensive jewelry. It's a wonder how the shops don't fall off the side of the bridge - see the stilts securing them to the bridge?   

Best of all in Florence is the abundance of porn for women! Here's Neptune: don't ask me what's going on here!

The Fountain of Neptune was commissioned by the Medici Family to commemorate the wedding of one of the Medicis to Austrian Princess Joanna. The artist Bartolomeo Ammannati completed the fountain in 1565.

... and here's Hercules, trying to hide his privates behind his boyfriend's head.

 Actually ... this is a statue depicting the God Hercules as he vanquishes the evil Cacus who, according to myth, fed on human flesh. This work was commissioned from Baccio Bandinelli initially from enemies of the Medici, but was taken over by the Medici and is intended to represent their victory over their enemies. Florence has quite an interesting history if one wishes to explore it. 

David in all his glory!

The original statue of David by Michelangelo is a key masterpiece of the Renaissance. While this statue is located in the Palazzo della Signoria (seat of the municipal government of Florence), the original is can be viewed by the public in the Accademia Gallery. 

After all that male nudity, my legs were a little wobbly so we went for a horse and buggy ride. It was an amazing mode of transportation to see this beautiful city.

San Lorenzo Market Square, famous for its shoes and leathers. Of course we each end up buying leather jackets!

The Piazza del Duomo is the historical centre of Florence is dominated by the Santa Maria del Fiore Basilica faced with multicoloured marble panels.

The Basilica is absolutely beautiful and very large. It's the third largest cathedral in the world. 

The Basilica is adorned with intricate carvings and designs by various Renaissance artists. 

 The Chianti Region

As you may have guessed, the Chianti Region is best known for its wines. Chianti offers a beautiful landscape with green, gentle hills, vineyards, olive groves and stone-covered country homes.

Rolling hills and vineyards everywhere.

The castle at Vicchiomaggio, first built in the 9th century, had fallen into disrepair when it was purchased by the Matta family in 1964. It is now one of Chianti's elite estates and its wine has won many competitions.

The Castello Vicchiomaggio is a real castle with a defensive tower.

We have a wonderful lunch at the castle. Of course, too much excellent food and wine. Bill is fonder of the house wine than the Chianti Reservas that sold at a much higher price. 

Here's Bill showing off again.  He's pretending he's the owner of the castle and winery.

Here we are at lunch. What an experience! (Remember the tags are so our guide knows we are part of the group.)

After lunch we are escorted to the castle's winery where we have an opportunity to taste and purchase wines. During the afternoon we are driven to the small city of Greve to visit a wine shop where a number of producers offer wine-tastings. All in all a good day!

View my next blog:  Monaco