May 3, 2024

What to see in Panzano in Chianti

The real heart of Chianti, restaurants, wineries and places not to be missed

Coming from Florence, ten minutes from Greve, the second pearl of Chianti absolutely to visit is Panzano in Chianti, the ideal stop to breathe the air of the tranquility of the hill and visit a medieval village where time seems to stand still and from which to capture evocative images. Followed then by Radda and Gaiole (To discover a unique Chianti itinerary aboard a Porsche, just click here!)

Exactly halfway between Siena and Florence, Panzano is to all intents and purposes the heart of Chianti. A village where less than 1000 people live but where the whole world passes through, to explore the area, yes, but also to eat "from Cecchini", the famous poet of steak and not only.

Among the events not to be missed in Panzano in Chianti are Vino al Vino in Cantina with tastings to discover the wine of the area, which usually takes place on the first weekend in May (more information HERE) and the Festa del Vino, which takes place on the third weekend in September (13-14-15 September) in Piazza Bucciarelli, the heart of Panzano in Chianti.

WHAT TO SEE IN PANZANO IN CHIANTI:

Castle of Panzano and the walls

As it always happens in medieval fortified villages, the most ancient part is the highest one, that is the most difficult to reach in the attacks and the easiest to defend also because it has a greater visibility. It is therefore here that the castle of Panzano was built, already documented in the 11th century, and the first nucleus of the village. Of the castle today remain the angular towers, one of which became the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria a Panzano, and most of the walls on which it is nice to walk to admire spectacular views of the Chianti hills adorned with rows of vines as far as the eye can see.

Chiesa di Santa Maria a Panzano
Via Castellana, 6
ph. +39 055 852037

Always in the ancient village there is the Church of Santa Maria a Panzano, rebuilt at the end of the 19th century on a previous medieval church. The facade, left in stone, is integrated with the beautiful bell tower, once the corner tower of the castle. To be noted, in the penultimate chapel of the left aisle, a fourteenth-century table depicting the Madonna and Child.

Il Vino dell'Arte
Via Chiantigiana, 62
ph. +39 055 614 8493

Finally, in the center of Panzano, a new space has been created, Il Vino dell'Arte, which blends the love for wine with the love for art. On the ground floor there is the direct sale of the wines of the nearby Tenuta Casenuove, whereas on the second floor it is possible to visit an exhibition with the works of the artist Loris Cecchini, author also of the installation on the façade (a project in collaboration with Galleria Continua).

WHAT TO SEE IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF PANZANO IN CHIANTI:

Pieve di San Leolino
Località San Leolino, 1 - Pieve di Panzano

It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the Tuscan Romanesque style, reachable with a 20-minute walk. A true inspiration of the soul, a place that brings out the sense of an ideal society, based on good living, where you appreciate simplicity and learn to live in the moment. Go there early in the morning, at dawn. Then enjoy a good breakfast with fresh bread, finocchiona and a glass of wine. And worth a visit. which preserves inside precious works of art such as the two tabernacles by Giovanni della Robbia.

Greve in Chianti

It is the Florentine gateway to Chianti and its largest center. Click here to discover our special itinerary.

Montefioralle

Enchanting medieval village just above Greve, with an ancient castle dating back to the year 1000, whose property over the years has passed into the hands of noble families such as Ricasoli, Benci, Gerardini and Buondelmonti.

Radda in Chianti

It is part of the Sienese Chianti, on the border between the Val d'Arbia and Val di Pesa, and is known as the village of the vineyards. To know what to see in Radda in Chianti, click here.

Gaiole in Chianti

An unmissable stop for cycling and white road enthusiasts. Crossroads of beautiful routes that touch the beautiful surrounding castles, the so-called Strada dei castelli, it is in Gaiole that L'Eroica, the historic race in vintage trim through Chianti, was born. Click here to learn more about Gaiole in Chianti.

DOVE MANGIARE A PANZANO IN CHIANTI:

The delights of Dario Cecchini have become one of the reasons to visit Panzano, but before discovering the various proposals and other restaurants in town, click here if you want to know our selection of restaurants around Florence and here for that of the most beautiful wineries where to eat in Tuscany.

Dario Cecchini
Via XX Luglio, 11
ph. +39 055 852020

If steak for you is not just a dish, but a true institution, then this is the place for you. In fact, in Via XX Luglio, at number 11 in the heart of Panzano stands as a monument dedicated to the fat as poetry, the old butcher shop of Dario Cecchini, the butcher poet who cooks praising Dante.

But Cecchini doesn't mean only butcher shop, three are the world-famous proposals to taste the Tuscan meat, in all its declinations of wonder: the Cecchini Panini Truck, open 7 days a week (also in periods of anti-covid restrictions), among the specialties the MAC Dario, hamburger in bread crust served on a bed of salad, tomatoes and baked potatoes or the earth sushi or the Chianti tuna).

We arrive at Officina della Bistecca, offering a gastronomic experience where the steak is the only true protagonist, and finally Solociccia, where only meat is eaten, according to a set menu and on the table only house wine or a bottle of house wine.

Oltre Il Giardino
Piazza Gastone Bucciarelli, 42
ph. +39 055 852828 - +39 339 8351943

A renowned tavern in Panzano, delicious in every sense, from the typical Tuscan dishes to the location, housed as it is in an old stone house with a panoramic garden at the back with a view of the Conca d'Oro really enchanting, especially in spring, during the flowering of wisteria, which is full of the pergola that surrounds it.

WINERIES IN PANZANO AND SURROUNDINGS:

Fontodi
Panzano in Chianti
ph. +39 055 852005

In the Conca d'oro in the heart of Chianti Classico is located the organic winery of Fontodi, owned by the Manetti family. 170 hectares of which more than 80 are vineyards. In addition to Chianti Classico, of which an excellent Gran Selezione, Pinot Nero Syrah and extra virgin olive oil are in production. The farm is also a characteristic agritourism.

Tenuta Casenuove
Località S. Martino in Cecione, 39 - Greve in Chianti
ph. +39 055 852009

It is the magnificent estate purchased by Philippe Austruy in 2015 and entirely rediscovered in all its splendor after extensive works in the vineyards and buildings. In this context, every year, in collaboration with Galleria Continua, an artist is invited to experience these places and create a work in situ: permanent installations in tune and in dialogue with the landscapes and the men who shape them. Here you can admire the first permanent installation in the heart of Tenuta Casenuove conceived by Pascale Marthine Tayou.

Tenuta degli Dei
Località San Leolino, 56 - Greve in Chianti
ph. +39 055 852593

We are in San Leolino, in the upper part of the Panzano district, a splendid estate owned by the Cavalli family that is well worth a visit. Here, Tommaso Cavalli, carries on a genuine love for the land and is fully involved in wine production. The first vines were planted in 2001 and the first harvest was bottled in 2006. In just a few years, a style and dedication to a goal of the highest quality and classic elegance has been established. The tour includes the Tinaia and Barricaia, a walk among the vineyards of the estate, a tasting and a visit to the stables.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN PANZANO AND SURROUNDINGS:

Vignamaggio
Greve - Panzano in Chianti
ph. +39 055 8546653

Between the territories of Panzano and Greve in Chianti, Vignamaggio is an organic farm, a historical winery in business since 1404 with more than 400 hectares of vineyards, vegetable gardens and a structure where to spend pleasant stays choosing among 4 options: Pensione and Il Prato (in Panzano) and Il Casolese and L'Orto (in Greve).

Castello di Vicchiomaggio
Località Vicchio, 4 - Greve in Chianti
ph. +39 055 854079

Set in a historic 15th-century castle 20 minutes from Panzano, Castello Vicchiomaggio produces and sells its own Chianti wine. Decorated in an elegant, classic style, rooms have incredible views of the Chianti. A buffet breakfast is served in the morning, while the restaurant serves traditional Tuscan cuisine. Don't miss the panoramic swimming pool in summer.

Castello di Verrazzano
Via Castello di Verrazzano, 1 - Greve in Chianti
ph. +39 055 854243

Born as a Lombard fortification between the end of the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth, it was later transformed into a so-called gentleman's house, and then became in the seventeenth century a classic Tuscan villa and farm. Property of the Florentine Da Verrazzano family, it is here that the illustrious explorer and navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano was born in 1485. In a manuscript dated back to 1170 is mentioned the vineyards already in full production. To the castle is annexed a chapel in which there is a painting by Ghirlandaio, the Eternal Father. Today Castello di Verrazzano is a magnificent structure which houses wineries, vineyards, a farmhouse and a restaurant.

COMO Castello del Nero
Str. Spicciano, 7 - Barberino Tavarnelle
ph. +39 055 0981946

Just half an hour from Panzano is one of the most exclusive resorts in Chianti, built in a historic 12th century residence, with a refined spa and the starred restaurant La Torre.

HOW TO GET TO PANZANO IN CHIANTI FROM FLORENCE:

From south Florence: take the SR 222, the Chiantigiana, the panoramic road that crosses the Chianti area from Florence to Siena.

From north Florence: exit at Firenze Impruneta and from there take the Firenze-Siena, exit San Donato, and then enter the SP 101 towards San Donato and Fontodi, where the renowned winery is located.

HOW TO GET TO PANZANO IN CHIANTI FROM SIENA:

Take the west ring road, the Firenze-Siena freeway link and exit at Badesse, taking the provincial road119, which between San Leonino and Fonterutoli becomes Chiantigiana.

Free parking is not lacking, both in Panzano alto, for example in via Pescille, and on its "slopes", as in via della Conca d'oro.