Hiking and walking, like cycling, are one of the best way to discover Chianti. This is why Villa le Barone, a natural luxury countryside hotel in the heart of Chianti, has prepared for its guests a number of hiking itineraries around the Villa.
Some hikes last 3 to 4 hours. Others are much shorter, as the last one prepared to go to the hermitage “Eremo di San Pietro alle Stinche”.
Chianti is celebrated for its clear light, its medieval hamlets, its historic palaces, and its landscape. Yet the Chianti you discover when exploring on foot is even more magical, with the hillsides covered with forests, vineyards and olive groves, with the dry stone walls, the tabernacles, the stone farmhouses. You hear and see the birds, such as pheasants, jays, buzzards… You smell the fragrance of wild aromatic plants… You enjoy breathtaking views…
With the new short hike prepared for Villa le Barone’s guests, you arrive at the hermitage “Eremo di San Pietro alle Stinche” through a dirt road, and discover it below, hidden in the greenery, next to a small brook. This is a place where you feel peace and sacredness permeating every moment. A small path leads to the entrance of the 14th century church. The Hermitage, founded by the charismatic figure of Father Giovanni Vannucci (1913-1984), theologian and writer, is a place of prayer, ecumenical dialogue and listening. You can push the door next to the church. It is always opened. You will be welcomed in the beautiful common room by one of the three monks who are continuing life as Father Vanucci had defined it, dedicated to prayer, meditation, work, dialogue with other religions.
Spectacular views, fresh air, sounds and smells of nature, silence, wonderful encounters, this is what hiking and walking around Villa le Barone will bring our guests!