Sighseeing
If you are interested in castles be sure to explore the Chianti Castles route ("La strada dei Castelli del Chianti") which provides itineraries for viewing and in many cases visiting the castles, walled abbeys and fortified farm houses in the area around Gaiole. There is also a charming walled village near Greve in Chianti, known as the Castello di Montefioralle. A house said to be the birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci is located there - it definitely belonged to the Vespucci family.
The Castle of Meleto
This beautiful castle originates from the 11th century, as a possession of the monks of nearby Coltibuono.
The castle of Montegrossi
It is also known as Montegrossoli and was the sentinel and final rampart of the medieval Chianti region. It was constructed at around 700 m on the crest of the last salient of the small mountain range on the border between the territories of the Chianti and the Valdarno.
Vertine
The medieval village of Vertine rises above Gaiole on a hill at 357 m. and offers splendid views over the whole area.
