Inside Pieve Aldina: An 12th Century Italian Count's Gift to His Wife is Now a New Hotel in Chianti, Tuscany

Nestled amidst the rolling hills, verdant vineyards and luscious olive groves of an iconic Italian location, stands a wondrous structure that is a testament to the brilliant vision of Pierattelli Architetture.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

The ancient Italian town of Radda in Chianti has remained comparatively unaltered for centuries, retaining its timeless charm. Resting on the renowned 'wine road', Chiantigiana, that unites Florence and Siena, this captivating town is now home to the extraordinary Pieve Aldina, a new boutique hotel that belongs to the French group Domaine de Fontenille.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

Situated amidst 40 hectares of olive groves, the hotel is made up of three buildings and cover an impressive area of over 2,000 square metres. The tranquil and peaceful location was a gift from the Count of Piancaldoli to his beloved Aldina Ubaldini in 1043. In honour of her, the hotel bears the name Pieve Aldina. These architectural gems have been expertly restored by Pierattelli Architetture’s team of skilled and conscientious architects, who have harmoniously blended historical preservation with contemporary luxury.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

With irregular façades constructed from pietraforte sandstone, thick walls, robust timber frames, terracotta Tuscan roof tiles, porticoes and internal courtyards, the three buildings embody the quintessential traits of a classic Tuscan farmhouse. One of these structures, formerly a summer residence for Siena bishops, has even been deemed a piece of Italy's historical heritage by the Italian Ministry of Culture.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

Adjacent to the Pieve di Santa Maria Novella, a 10th-century parish church that serves as a crucial illustration of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, lies the prominent structure of Pieve Aldina - commonly known as 'la Pieve'. Once indoors, visitors are bound to be captivated by its ageless elegance and aesthetic appeal. One can marvel at the original wall decorations present on the primary floor, in addition to the classical frescoes adorning the walls of the first floor. Similar to 'la Pieve', 'Studiolo,' and 'Conventino' - the other two buildings comprising Pieve Aldina - boast mesmerizing, carved wooden ceilings and windows that frame the serene verdant countryside.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

The buildings' interiors display a combination of traditional and modern designs. They feature unadorned furnishings in earthy shades of beige, brown, white and sage green. The décor encompasses materials characteristic of the region, such as terracotta for the floors, lime plaster for the walls, wood for the fixtures and painted skirting boards. The walls have been embellished with Parisian artist Dune Varela's artwork printed onto Carrara marble slabs, and the herbaria of Stéphanie Montaigu, who pastes images of flowers and antique sculptures on the yellowed pages of old books.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

The outhouses, formerly used for tool storage and olive pressing, have been cleverly transformed into Le Rondini restaurant. The ambiance exhibits a seamless blend of classic and modern styles with an impressive iron and terracotta vaulted ceiling, and matching tiled floor in beige. Pierattelli Architetture also designed a sizable opening in the wall providing a view of the chefs performing culinary magic in the kitchen.

Photo: Iuri Niccolai

With every step throughout the hotel, guests are immersed in a captivating experience that evokes a sense of the area's rich history and captivating allure. An unforgettable stay awaits all those who venture to this breathtaking destination.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates.