Some seven miles north of Siena in Tuscany is the Chianti Sculpture Park. The area immerses the visitor in a beauty that is bound with beautiful vineyards, evergreen olive trees, hilly landscapes and scattered medieval villages.

The founder of this exclusive sculpture park is Piero Giadrossi who has a long traveling history, about 20 years. He was a great sculpture enthusiast and never forgot to enlarge his collection of fine sculptures, whatever the size they are of. It so happened that he chanced to visit an exhibition of sculptures held at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, South Africa. He was so impressed that he wanted to host a similar event in the beautiful woods of Tuscany. After some years of strenuous efforts, his wish was materialized in the form of ‘The Chianti Sculpture Park,’ whose aim was to integrate art and nature with an array of international works that would be expressed in different kinds of materials. Annual exhibitions would also be conducted.

The Chianti Sculpture Park is a platform for both national and international artists. One of the main objectives of the park was also to provide an opportunity to display their talent to the rest of the western world. Visitors to the Park gain a unique experience.

Many renowned sculptors from all the five continents have created huge contemporary sculptures in their individual style and creative idea. Every artist has the freedom to choose his location and make his creation. The sculptures are therefore location-specific and blend perfectly with the nature, sound, light and color of the site. They seem to enhance the attractiveness of the whole area.

Opening Hours: April - October (from 10.00 am to sunset) November to March - (advisable to call 0577-357151 and confirm) Admission by entrance fee - Full € 7.50, for under-16 - € 5.00

Not far from the Sculpture park is the beautiful town of Castelnouvo Berardenga with interesting architecture, historical sites and gardens, located in the province of Siena. Visitors to this town fall a victim to its natural beauty and charm and will never return home without exploring this attractive land of Tuscany.

The territory covers an area between the beautiful hills and the plain lands of the high valley of river Ombrone and stretches about 17703 sq km. The name of the place came from the noble Berardo, descendent of Guinigi, a Count of Siena. The family Berardenga tried to establish their lordship over a vast part of eastern territories known as Terra Berardenga in 1050. In the 12th century, Siena began to impose tighter control on this territory and it also became the seat of a Bishop in the beginning of the 13th century. In 1366, the Sienese government decided to build a castle right in the centre of this territory. This was how Castelnuovo was born and it became the capital and economical centre of Berardenga. Just before the fortifications could be completed, it was attacked by the Florentine army led by Giovanni Acuto. Though further attacks were made on the area, it was accomplished only in 1554 and annexed to the Duchy of the Medici.

Grape Festival of Castelnuovo Berardenga

The grape festival in Castlenuovo is held during the last week of September every year. It a traditional festival and is one of the most important and interesting event taking place with a lot of activities both in cultural and gastronomic aspects. The beautiful town would literally be transformed into a showcase that displays the culture and tradition, and relationship between man and soil, daily life of farmers etc. The festival is just the occasion to taste the traditional delicacies and the exceptional Chianti wine of the territory.

A splendid parade with allegorical carriages depicting scenes from the daily life of the local people is another extravaganza to indulge in during the festival. Men, women and farmers in traditional attire also participate in the parade.

Things to See in Castelnuovo Berardenga...

*Villa Chigi Saracini – A beautiful villa with splendid gardens and a good collection of statues that are dedicated to great musicians.
*Villa di Geggiano and its sprawling gardens.
*The Parish church of Saints Giusto e Clemente with Madonna with Child, and the Angels by Giovanni di Paolo.
*Pievasciata and the mediaeval village of San Gusmè.
*The Romanesque church Pieve a Pacina with its round bell tower.
*Abbadia d’Ombrone and Monastero d’Ombrone.
*The Certosa di Pontignano.
*Vagliagli, a small township with a superb view of the surrounding countryside

Next time when you are in Siena, don’t miss this beautiful and traditional town!

Ingredients:

• Extra-virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup
  
• Minced garlic - 1 tablespoon
  
• Red pepper flakes to taste - 1 teaspoon
  
• Spaghetti - 1 pound
  
• Red wine such as Chianti Classico - 1 bottle
  
• Butter - 1 tablespoon
  
• Freshly ground black pepper
  
• Salt
  

Method

1. Boil a large pot of water.
2. In a skillet, add the oil, red pepper, and garlic.
3. When the water begins to boil, add salt and pasta, and stir occasionally.
4. When the garlic turns brown, add salt and pepper and 3/4 bottle of the wine.
5. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the wine mixture.
6. Cook for some more time by occasionally adding wine not to keep the contents dry.
7. When the pasta is tender, add the butter and remove from the flame.

Relish the yummy pasta in salsa di vino!

Castello di Monastero wines are produced in Tuscany’s fine viticulture areas. It is made from the grape varieties called 85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and cabernet with 13 – 13.5% alcohol content.
It takes not only fine atmosphere but also the human elements like the heart and soul to produce these excellent qualities of the wine. The quality of the vineyards, controlled temperature and strict selection are all key factors that are involved in making the Castello di Monastero. The wines carry the signature of Lionello Marchesi.

The tastes the wine carries exemplify how different it can be from other wines from other vineyards. The wine reveals a ruby red color when transferred to a wineglass. The taste is simply a combination of flavors involving that of chocolates and blackberries. The flavor has a smooth finish, with a slight hint of tannins, earthy tones with a rounded taste and ends without dryness in the mouth. It would be just perfect match to have with a dessert like chocolate mousse or tiramisu, a porcini dish or even plain bread.

It is good to keep the wine for one hour before serving and tastes best when served at 18 degrees C.

San Felice, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena)
tel +39 0577 3964

Located in Chianti, Siena, Poggio Rosso is a restaurant in Tuscan style serving elaborate and innovative dishes without actually losing the traditional elegance of the locality. Tourists are attracted to the successful combination of its sheer rustic beauty and refined elegance. The two other aspects of this restaurant are the extra-virgin olive oil and the Chianti Classico.

The cuisine has been carefully chosen involving local traditions. This is in contrary to the international cuisine that the tourists are often tired of. There is a touch of creativity and innovation with great care taken not to forgo the traditional culinary practices and tastes.
Highest quality of ingredients is used to make the dishes listed in the menu. The wine list is exhaustive and well-researched with over 500 labels to choose from. The hospitality by the staff is amazing as well.

Look no further! When you are in Chianti, step in to Poggio Rosso and have a great eating experience.