In the heart of the Florentine Chianti there is a village that deserves a visit, whether you are in Florence or whether you are in Siena. Is called San Donato in Poggio and is located near Tavarnelle. Foreign tourists have discovered it for quite a while, for its truly particular and authentic aspect, all gathered in the perimeter of the castle. It is accessed, as in many villages, from the gates; the central street crosses it from one side to the other and among the old stone houses all the activities of the small town take place, there are shops, events of the day, the rink of numerous tourists looking for a restaurant for dinner . San Donato stands on a hillock overlooking the landscape, with rows of vines that mark the countryside, the sweetness of the hills, the fields of olive trees. Before entering the town there is the beautiful parish church of San Donato, a simple Romanesque church in Alberese, which glows gold in the sunset light. The heart of the town is the square with the covered well and the Renaissance Palazzo Malaspina, completely restored and home to exhibitions and meetings.
Until 11 August, the Chianti Star Festival and Palazzo Malaspina is an exhibition venue for the works of contemporary sculptors. If, on the other hand, you like more "free-range" parties, on 7 August there are celebrations all day for the patron saint's day. The wineries in the area never lack exhibition appointments in the village, and therefore it is a good opportunity to taste and buy local productions, both of wine and oil.
A beautiful dinner, with an incomparable view of the countryside, can be had at the restaurant Praetorian Palace, in via del Giglio. Ask to sit outside, the show will enchant you. They specialize in fish dishes and Neapolitan pizza, the one with the cornice. They also have a well-kept beer list.
