A Historic Guide To The Chianti Region

If you’re considering a getaway in Italy and are keen to explore the Chianti region, you might be interested to know a little history about the area before you travel. There are a number of great things to do in Chianti of course, but before you start gorging on local produce and the famous wines, dig a little deeper into the past and discover how the area became the popular destination that it is today. 

First Settlers 

The mild, healthy climate here has always attracted inhabitants since at least 2000BC, and the first settlers (known to us, at least) were the Etruscans. They wasted no time when it came to farming, and it wasn’t long before wine production began! This agriculture developed during the Roman era, and soon olive groves arrived (and never left!). 

Though there were several alterations made to its name as time passed and new people started making a life in the area, it became ‘Chianti’ in the twelfth century, as far as we know. Before then, it was allegedly known as ‘Clante’, the Etruscan name for water.

Famous Rich Soils 

One of the most well-known facts about the Chianti region is that it’s always had such fertile soils – which have played a huge part of course in producing the delicacies we know and love nowadays. The production of olives, grapes and other produce had expanded enormously to supply the immense demand from both Italy itself and overseas.

Among the top things to do in Chianti these days is to learn to cook or to join a wine tour – these activities allow guests to not only sample a range of produce, but often learn the processes of their creation. There’s no better way to dive into culture than an organised group tour!

Architecture 

Most of the architecture we can see in the region today is from the medieval period – hamlets in the hilltops and quaint churches soon evolved into impressive houses and other large buildings, all beautifully designed to create the stunning vistas we see today. Make sure to bring your camera along to capture the intricacies of the buildings. 

Seeing the Sights

There are countless things to do in Chianti, and hopefully this quick history lesson has given you the incentive to book an organised group tour to experience the region in style. 

Booking an interactive experience with a specialist provider is by far the best way to experience a country like Italy. You can rest in the knowledge that you’ll be seeing the top attractions, all with the help of a friendly local guide. 

With a little history knowledge under your belt, you can enjoy all the top things to do in Chianti on your next trip. Bon Voyage!

Author Plate

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including a host of things to do in Chianti. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.