Winter has arrived in Tuscany, in the form of snow! Our hill has received only a very light dusting, but as you can see it has changed the landscape and at least the normally crazy drivers have slowed down a touch!
(the view from our lounge window at Olmastrino!)
(the view from our lounge window at Olmastrino!)
Fortunately it only lasts a couple of days and as today is Saturday, we venture out for some more exploring. The other day we spotted a sign for an Etruscan tomb, sounds intriguing...
The Etruscans were the indigenous people who lived in Tuscany from 800 B.C. to 500 B.C. A smattering of tombs and artefacts in
terracotta and bronze have been discovered and preserved in various museums across Italy. We head back out towards Castellina, to investigate. The site is at Montecalvario high up on a hill overlooking miles of beautiful countryside and basically consists of a very large mound with four separate entrances leading to various sized burial chambers. The site was discovered in the 16th century and the treasures have long been looted, but it has been dated to the 6th or 7th century B.C. The final resting place of Castellina's rich and famous! It's stange to think we're standing amongst blocks of stone that were fashioned over 2,500 years ago! The view is spectacular, shame the dead can't enjoy it!
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A short drive to another of Chianti's main towns and one time head of the league of Chianti, Radda. Again very pretty, with superb views, but today, completely deserted! We have a quick stroll, but it's too cold and dead to enjoy, so head on to check out the Villa Miranda. Hot chocolate and local Pecorino (sheep's cheese) sandwiches in Lucarelli and then home to a warm open log fire!
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