Castelnuovo Berardenga

Castelnuovo Berardenga, located just outside Siena, nestled between the fertile Chianti hills and the incredible landscape of the Crete Senesi, rises on the hills that separate the first stretch of the Ombrone valley from that of its tributary Arbia.

Under the name of the territory or district of the Berardenga is sottintendeva even in times of the Sienese Republic the portion of that state between the sources of the torrent Bozzone and those of Amber, between the Chianti high and the river Biena up to Taverne d'Arbia. The name derives from the County of Berardenghi that took its name from one of the sons of Wuinigi Count (Guinigi) of Ranieri. He was called Berardo and this name, constantly repeated by the descendants, gave then the name also to the territory. The jamb, donde took the name the county Berardenga, part without doubt from that Castelnuovo, founded by the Republic of Siena, as point of surveillance of the border toward Florence and Arezzo, after a resolution dated 26 July 1366. In this era the top of the hill was surrounded by walls by entrusting the direction a Mino dei of Siena (1373-1374). The castle is today retains a tower and a little more. The ancient parish church of San Giusto, situated not far from Castelnuovo is reminded of a long time before it was built the castle, between the branches of the nearby ancient parish church of Pacina, note for the first strife between Siena and Arezzo on diocesan boundaries dating back to the VII century One of the facts that the most striking, of its medieval history, is the very high number of castles. Among the many, deserves mention that of Montalto, possessed by Berardenghi since the ixth century. The testimonies of settlement of the middle ages are not limited only to the churches, monasteries and castles but next to these constructions of guerresco plant or religious, sprang up fortified villas and houses that precludevano to the incipient renaissance.

BY CAR

• From the North: Take the A1 highway. Exit at Firenze Certosa and take the highway to Siena, continue on the ring road towards Arezzo - Perugia, continue following signs for Castelnuovo Berardenga. Or, exit at "Valdarno", take the SR 69 towards Montevarchi - Arezzo until Levane, then take the SP 540 towards Siena, continue until the indication for Castelnuovo Berardenga.
• From the South: Take the A1 highway, exit at "Valdichiana", take the Siena - Bettolle ring road towards Siena, exit at Castelnuovo Berardenga.
• From Siena: Take the Siena-Bettolle highway, exit at Castelnuovo Berardenga.

ON THE TRAIN

• Siena railway station

BY PLANE

• Florence airport
• Pisa airport
• Rome Fiumicino Airport

Two butterfly wings, joined by a thin strip of land: behold Castelnuovo. On the one side, toward west, you can see the hillside vineyards of the Chianti Senese; on the other, toward the east, the territories "della Berardenga", that take their names from the noble Berardo, lived in the X century. On one side, farmhouses and vineyards as far as the eye can see, on the other, lands parched with fields and cypresses. On the top of a hill between the river Ombrone and Malena creek, are the remains of the castle. All the surroundings are worth a visit, because the territory of Castelnuovo is vast and rich in historical places. We embark on the white streets to reach tiny villages, churches, hamlets, villas and farms. Even better, ride a bicycle and you will be among the hills of Chianti, whistling that happy tune that’s in your head, almost like an old cinema comedy. The municipality is infact part of the cycling Park of Chianti, which enhances the secondary paths, suitable for cycling. You will pass Pacina, Baia Monastery, Montalto and San Gusmè, with ancient parish churches, castles and forts, and Pontignano, with the imposing Certosa from 1343. If you go up at Montaperti, behold a tuft of cypress trees and a small pyramid in commemoration of the famous battle won by Siena against Florence in 1260, mentioned by Dante Alighieri.

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