Gaiole in Chianti
ACCORDING TO FORBES, GAIOLE IN CHIANTI IS THE EUROPE'S MOST IDYLLIC PLACE TO LIVE!
Gaiole in Chianti is located in the zone of Chianti Classico. The etymological origin is uncertain: some think that the name has come from the medieval word "gariola" that means "jay", some others think from the name "Carianus", that comes from the name of person "Carius" referring to the countryside. The name "Chianti" was taken inl 1911 to address the position in this region.
The town of Gaiole in Chianti became stronger in Middle Age, developing along the river Massellone. Between the XI and the XIV centuries, Gaiole in Chianti passed from the jurisdiction of Ricasoli family to that one of the Republic of Florence, that deeply fortified the town. In the XIII century there was the real develop pf the town like "mercatale", market, and thus fact increased its importance, it in fact became a capitol town of all the villages of the "Lega del Chianti". In the middle of the XVIII century with the arrival of the Lorena family, the Lega of Chianti was abolished and Gaiole in Chianti became a land. In gaiole in Chianti it is possible to see the Pive of Santa Maria in Spaltenna, the castle of Brolio, the castle of Meleto, Villa Vistarenni and the abbey in Badia a Coltibuono.
Amongst the numerous events in Gaiole in Chianti, we advise you not to miss the “Sagra della Bruschetta” fair that is at the middle of September and where it is possible to taste the specialities of the zone. The town of Gaiole in Chianti is rounded by hills with vineyards and woods. The near little town of Vertine where there is the medieval castle inside the ancient walls is the sign of the past fortifications.
Not so far from Gaiole in Chianti two very important castles are located: the castle of Brolio and the one of Metello. The Castle of Brolio was built in the Middle Ahe and then it was owned by Ricasoli family that turned it into a noble residence with a garden with a romantic park where many special kinds of plants can be admired. The Castle of Meleto was owned by Ricasoli family too. In the XVIII century the Ricasoli family turned the castle of Meleto into a villa. This castle has a quadrilateral building plant with a central tower and keep inside some original furniture, like a little theatre with seven sceneries.
