Just above Greve, on a hill among vines and olive trees, lies Montefioralle: a small, lived-in medieval castle village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and only a few minutes from Le Rondini.
A village built in a circle
Its original name was "Monteficalle", probably after the fig trees that grew in the fields around the castle. The village developed around the keep on an elliptical plan: a ring road follows the surviving circuit of walls, where you can still make out the remains of towers that are now private homes.
Above one of the doorways you can see the coat of arms of the Vespucci family, who owned several properties here.
Festivals and wine
In March, around St Joseph's Day, the Sagra delle Frittelle brings a giant pan to the little square in front of the village, where traditional rice fritters are fried.
In May, Chianti Classico producers present their wines along the ring of walls at the "I vini del Castello" event.
Not to be missed
- The walk around the wallsThe ring road takes only a few minutes and is the best way to discover the village.
- Lanes and doorwaysStone houses, archways and small details – including the Vespucci coat of arms.
- Views over ChiantiFrom the village you look out over the Greve valley and the surrounding hills.
- On foot from GreveA steep but lovely climb through olive groves links the centre of Greve with the village.
Our tip
Leave the car in Greve and walk up through the olive groves: arriving at the top around sunset and then heading back down for dinner in the village makes for one of the nicest evenings in the area.
Good to know
- The village centre is small and lived-in: park outside the walls.
- The lanes are stone-paved and partly steep – comfortable shoes are a good idea.
- Festival dates and programmes change from year to year: check before you go.
