Between parish churches and medieval villages

Travelling along the 'Strada del Chianti', it is quite easy to come across historic wine cellars where you can take part in tastings with typical local products or in one of the typical trattorias where the main course is, of course, meat. Those who want to eat in an out-of-the-ordinary place can plan a stop in Gaiole, at the Osteria Carnivora of Lorenzo Chini, an unconventional character (and very popular on social media) who opened this space about three years ago next to his family's historic butcher shop. Just above the centre of the village, we reach the Pieve di Santa Maria di Spaltenna dating back to 1030, an example of high-ranking medieval architecture, next to which is the Castle of the same name, a small luxury hotel set within the ancient walls of the structure with a well-kept garden park outside. Climbing a further 2 km along we come to the tiny hamlet of Vertine, overlooking the valley looking towards Radda in Chianti, with its beautiful parish church of San Bartolomeo and castle tower dating back to the 11th century. The scenery is picture-postcard: a glimpse of the Middle Ages that becomes magical at nightfall, when the lights come on and the cats become the undisputed masters of a timeless place.