Lilliano: Pieve, Borgo and Chianti Classico

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Lilliano, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. The Pieve di Santa Cristina and the medieval Borgo provide concrete points of reference for the town’s history; the Tenuta di Lilliano adds a perspective on the history of Chianti Classico. There is also a route to the Pieve and a circular cycling route. This lets you plan your trip around your interests in church history, winemaking, or cycling.

The Pieve and Medieval History

The Pieve di Santa Cristina in Lilliano is of Romanesque origin, dating to the 11th century. It was first mentioned in a papal bull dated April 20, 1189. The two dates refer to different points of reference: the 11th century places its Romanesque origins, while 1189 dates its first mention in the bull.

In the Middle Ages, the Borgo di Lilliano was a fortified complex that included the Church of Santa Cristina. The church is notable for its single large nave. The relationship between the church and the Borgo connects two aspects of local history: the sacred architectural form and the fortified complex of the Middle Ages. During the wars between Siena and Florence, Lilliano experienced sieges and destruction.

Chianti Classico and Tenuta di Lilliano

At the Tenuta di Lilliano, the estate’s history and specific features of its winemaking sit side by side. Baron Berlingieri acquired the estate in 1920. In 1958, Princess Eleonora Ruspoli Berlingieri began bottling Lilliano wines. The two dates are 38 years apart; the estate’s acquisition and the start of bottling are therefore clearly separate milestones.

The grapes for Tenuta di Lilliano’s Chianti Classico come entirely from the estate’s vineyards and are hand-picked during the harvest. In the diverse Chianti Classico area, the estate has a moderate, balanced microclimate, with relatively warm summers and sufficient but not excessive rainfall. The most widespread soil on the estate is derived from Alberese and is rich in stones, calcareous, and tending toward clay.

Wine tastings for groups can be arranged outdoors or in the aging cellar at Tenuta di Lilliano. The aging cellar is beneath the villa, which is part of Lilliano’s historic complex.

Routes and Travel Interests

The Strada dei Vigneti leads to the Pieve di Santa Cristina in Lilliano. The circular cycling route climbs in the direction of Lilliano and passes along the Laghetto di Vallechiara. The routes differ in what they offer: the Pieve is the named destination on the Strada; for the cycling route, the climb and the stretch along the Laghetto are the specific landmarks. This lets you choose between a cultural and historical destination and a cycling loop with these features before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: San Leonino

Go to the main travel overview: Castellina In Chianti.