Crossing the Chianti region to the east, we went for a hike at Castello di Brolio and spent a night at Città di Castello, a castle region it seems, with hills covered with wine yards and olive trees.
Castello di Brolio is a rural castle with a palace and gardens located about 20 km NE of Siena, in Tuscany. The palace has belonged to the Ricasoli family for nearly 800 years. It was destroyed more than once during the wars between Siena and Florence. Today there is the stone castle and a larger brick palace built in Gothic revival-style, mainly under the patronage of Baron Bettino Ricasoli, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy, who created the Chianti recipe of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca. Of course we had to buy some Chianti to fully enjoy the area.
For the night we found a good parking in Città di Castello, already in the province of Umbria at the River Tiber. We went to explore the town and really liked it. The Duomo was impressive, especially inside. Renovations were going on, nevertheless we were stricken by its beauty.
After spending a rainy day in Città di Castello, we continued our way north, where we want to visit Rimini and San Marino next.
More on the following post!