Guide to Castelfiorentino

"Step back in time to the land that time and tourism forgot and make your Tuscan dream a reality in Castelfiorentino."

There are many places in Tuscany where the beauty of the scenery literally forces you to stop and take a photograph – as if a camera could ever really capture the breath-taking views that the Chianti hills produce at every other twist and turn. But around CastelFiorentino the countryside is truly amazing. Rolling hills of lush green fade into gentle blues and misty purples. Cypress trees stand boldly dark against the soft emerald greens of the vineyards. And tiny, tucked away villages provide surprising splashes of bright White and rich terracotta. It's inspired many an artist over the centuries, yet parts of it still have remained undiscovered. In fact, Castelfiorentino is one of the best kept secrets. Walk around this tiny town and you will meet few other visitors – the bustle of tourism has largely passed it by. It's also the home to masterpieces by painters like Benozzo Gozzoli, as well as being a good place to explore any number of historic sights. The 13th century church of Saint Francis, for example, is decorated frescoes is not to be missed. While the grand mansion of Oliveto Castle, built some two hundred years later, houses some of the best period furniture, art and an extensive armoury. And after a day spent exploring? Settle back, dine al fresco in the village square and let a bottle of local Chianti work its magic.

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