Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chianti
The famous triangular-shaped square is the heart of the city
Piazza Matteotti, with its distinctive triangular shape, is the center of social and commercial life in the village of Greve in Chianti, as well as its main square. This is probably where the borough originated and has gradually grown over the centuries. A curiosity in this regard: in 1551 there were 27 families with a total of 92 inhabitants living in Greve, while in 1845 there were already more than 10,000 people.
The square is surrounded by striking arched loggias under which are stores and workshops selling local products and crafts, from wine to ceramics to cured meats. In the center is a large statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano, commemorating the famous explorer born in 1485 in the nearby Castello di Verrazzano and discoverer of New York Bay in 1524. The square is overlooked by the Church of Santa Croce, which houses some wonderful paintings from the school of Fra Angelico.
Every Saturday morning the square hosts the town market, selling clothes, leather garments, handmade ceramics as well as fruits, vegetables and local produce. Don't miss the annual Chianti Classico festival, held in this very space, and the Pagliaio organic and craft market every fourth Sunday of the month.
