San Donato in Poggio is a Chianti village that develops around a castle of medieval origin: it has a circular shape slightly elongated and is characterized by ancient gates, bell towers, alleys and squares overlooking the countryside. It is part of the national network of Italy's most beautiful villages.
The location is strategic since it is just a few kilometers from the road connecting Florence and Siena, but at the same time it is located in the typical Tuscan countryside characterized by vineyards, olive groves and green forests of Barberino Tavarnelle.
Even in the past, being halfway between the two cities meant that San Donato played a key role in the centuries-long conflict between the Guelfs and Ghibellines, so much so that in 1261 Florentine troops gathered just below the city for the march that would begin the famous Battle of Monteaperti.
The historic center is surrounded by the mighty defensive walls - dating back to the 12th century - that give it the typical appearance of a fortification along which there is still a watchtower.
The Florentine Gate - so named because it was built on the side facing Florence - is one of the main entrances: from here, after crossing the square and admiring a Bell Tower, one arrives at the imposing Malaspina Palace, a late Renaissance building whose existence has been known since as far back as 989, the residence of the Ticci family first and of the Malaspina marquises later.
Adjacent to the palace is the church of Santa Maria della Neve (Saint Mary of the Snow) dating from 1300.
Leaving the opposite side and once past the Sienese Gate is the Parish church of San Donato, mentioned as early as 989 in a document from the nearby monastery of Badia a Passignano; it was in the San Donato parish church that the peace treaty between Florence and Siena was signed in 1265 after the Battle of Montaperti.
