ENJOY A PIECE OF PEACE...
 Sit with the high and mighty as Radda in the province of Siena became the seat of the 'podesta' or the chief magistrate. Go with its history which was turbulent as it was caught between the warring factions of Tuscany, Florence and Siena. Enjoy its tranquility as it settled into a charming niche as the Republic of Florence took over. Climb the hillock and look at the enchanting Castello d'Albola which is situated at an altitude of 602 meters. Meander through an ancient lineage from which its name is derived and discover a bloodline from the Lucumone or the Etruscan Albula ruling class. Though some say that the name is from Latin for piccolo alba or little dawn, the Castello d'Albola was built in the year 1000.
 Open the doors to another world as you sit and enjoy a picnic on its agricultural fields. Look around and find that Old Albola in the territory of Radda can be reached from the town and as you follow the directions you will find yourself in the enchanted Valley of the Hung River. As you see the crops swaying to the rhythm of the wind, listen to the stories from the villagers who will tell you a never-ending tale. Mesmerize the mind with the Middle Ages when the Chianti region was dotted with the structures of fiefdoms with local lords who were under the Guidi and the Trebbiesi Counts who ruled the county. The year 1201 saw the Peace of Fonterutoli and the Republic of Florence structured the 'Tripartate' with a chief city in each of the counties to be united under the 'Chianti League'. This where the Castle of Albola stands on a lonely hill commanding a view of the River Pesa, as one of the most powerful castles in Radda of the Chianti region.
 The Castello d'Albola is a classic example of a mountain fortress with much of the architecture from the 13th and 14th century. Go on walk into its depths which are surrounded by elliptical circuit walls with a huge tower and another at a lower point, both in the medieval style. Climb up to the first floor and as you go through the gate of the immense tower you will find that the entire building is made of stone. Its mighty fortifications served the castle well as the army of Albola was allied with the Republic of Florence. With Emperor Charles IV waging war in the 15th century, the Castello d'Albola resisted the Aragonese invasion before it came under the Grand Dukes of the Lorena family. Now the lovely old castle is right in the middle of an agricultural estate and privately owned.
 The 11th century castle of Albola consists of a cannonica, the church and a parsonage. Listen to your footsteps crunching on the gravelly path or the 'strada bianca' and cross over to the peaceful and serene cemetery which is surrounded by old houses and strong thick stone walls. The Orsini family built this fabulous castle with its fortifications. Look at the most fascinating structure in Radda which was always in the middle of conflicts with the Senese Republic. Listen to the sounds of battle through the mists of cannon fire and know why it was called the 'tinderbox of Italian wars' by Cosimo dei Medici as in 1608 it came under the rule of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Walk up the main road and as you turn left, you will arrive at the Badiaccia Montemuro, the monastery founded by the Camaldolesi monks. Surrounded by medieval houses and the church, a small convent was consecrated in 1058. The monks stayed on till 1661 and then in 1794 it was turned into the church of San Pietro. You can see the coat of arms of the Camaldolesi monks with two doves drinking from a goblet. It was abandoned in 1658 and was called Badiaccia.
 Come to Castellod'Albola with its beautiful 2000 acres of vineyards. Blending the old with the new in a seamless fashion, the castle has been transformed into a winery. Impressive with a Bordeaux-style barrique that holds 300 bottles, the cellar contains Slovanian oak casks being capable of holding 10,000 bottles. The winery is attached to the castle and is hidden naturally by a cypress grove. The new buildings around Castello d'Albola are made of stone and wood in keeping with the décor of the old castle. Sample a glass of wine with a fragrant bouquet and enjoy the gorgeous scenery that evolves over a historical background.
INTRODUCE SPARKLE INTO YOUR LIFE.... |
