Verrazzano Statue Greve in Chianti
A striking bronze statue in Greve in Chianti's main square honoring Giovanni da Verrazzano, discoverer of New York Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for photos
Verrazzano Statue Greve in Chianti
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking bronze statue in Greve in Chianti's main square honoring Giovanni da Verrazzano, discoverer of New York Bay.
"The Verrazzano Statue is a beautiful monument in the heart of Greve, celebrating a key moment in exploration history."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the statue against the backdrop of the piazza's charming buildings. Early mornings offer the best light.
📍 Central Location
The statue is right in the heart of Greve, making it easy to find and a great starting point for exploring the town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giovanni da Verrazzano Monument
Piazza Matteotti
A striking bronze statue honoring the Tuscan explorer who discovered New York Bay. A must-see in Greve's main square.
Piazza Matteotti
Greve in Chianti town center
The charming main square, bustling with tourist spots and home to the Verrazzano Statue. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
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Planning Your Visit
Piazza Matteotti's Centerpiece
A Navigator's Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the statue against the backdrop of the piazza's charming buildings. Early mornings offer the best light.
📍 Central Location
The statue is right in the heart of Greve, making it easy to find and a great starting point for exploring the town.
📜 Historical Context
Learn about Giovanni da Verrazzano's exploration of North America before your visit for a richer experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the statue against the backdrop of the piazza's charming buildings. Early mornings offer the best light.
📍 Central Location
The statue is right in the heart of Greve, making it easy to find and a great starting point for exploring the town.
📜 Historical Context
Learn about Giovanni da Verrazzano's exploration of North America before your visit for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Verrazzano Statue to be a historically significant and visually appealing monument in the charming Piazza Matteotti. It's appreciated as a key landmark honoring a notable explorer, though some note the piazza itself is quite small. The statue's historical context and its central location are frequently highlighted as positives.
"It's a very small square, filled with many tourist spots. Giovanni da Verrazzano himself, however, is renowned as the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of North America between Florida and New Brunswick in 1524, including New York Bay and Narragansett Bay. As someone who's originally from Greve in Chianti, it's understandable why he'd have a statue in the middle of the piazza."
Flo Yeow
"Beautiful statue"
Sam Leewood
"The main monument we'll find in the town's Main Square pays tribute to Giovanni da Verrazzano, a Tuscan navigator and explorer who, in the service of Francis I of France, explored the Atlantic coast of North America in search of a northeast passage to India 🧭
He is known for being one of the first Europeans to explore the Atlantic coast of North America between the Carolinas (south and north) and Newfoundland, including present-day New York Harbor, Narragansett Bay, and the Hudson River. This is why even the Big Apple has a bridge named in his honor ⚓️"
José Luis López Vega
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Verrazzano Statue is located in the central Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chianti. If you are driving, there are parking areas near the piazza. Public transport options might involve buses from Florence or other nearby towns, with the piazza being a short walk from the bus stop.
Yes, Greve in Chianti is a popular day trip destination, especially from Florence. It's accessible by car and bus, making it convenient for a short visit to see the statue and explore the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Verrazzano Statue is located in the public Piazza Matteotti, so there is no admission fee to view it. You can visit it anytime.
Piazza Matteotti is a public square and is accessible at all hours. The surrounding shops and restaurants will have their own operating times.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The golden hour light can beautifully illuminate the bronze statue and the surrounding piazza.
Try capturing the statue from different perspectives within the piazza. Including the surrounding architecture or the Tuscan sky can add depth to your photos.
🎫 📜 History & Significance
Giovanni da Verrazzano was a Tuscan navigator and explorer, born in Greve in Chianti around 1485. He is renowned for being the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of North America in 1524, including New York Bay. The statue honors his significant historical achievements.
The monument to Giovanni da Verrazzano was inaugurated on September 14, 1913.
The statue was created by the sculptor, painter, and ceramist Romeo Pazzini.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Explorer of New York Bay
Verrazzano's meticulous charting of the coastline provided invaluable geographical data. He is particularly celebrated for being the first European to enter and describe New York Harbor, the Narragansett Bay, and potentially the Hudson River. This discovery was groundbreaking, offering a glimpse into a vast, unexplored territory. The statue serves as a constant reminder of Greve in Chianti's connection to this momentous historical event, even leading to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York being named in his honor.
The bronze statue itself, created by Romeo Pazzini and inaugurated in 1913, stands as a proud monument to Verrazzano's legacy. It was restored in 2005, ensuring its continued presence as a landmark in the heart of the town. Visiting the statue offers a chance to connect with a piece of history that links Tuscany to the foundational exploration of North America.
Piazza Matteotti: The Heart of Greve
The Verrazzano Statue is the undisputed centerpiece of Piazza Matteotti, drawing attention and serving as a historical anchor. Surrounding the statue, the piazza is often bustling, especially during market days or local festivals. The architecture of the buildings lining the square adds to its charm, with traditional Tuscan facades and terracotta roofs creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Beyond the statue, Piazza Matteotti is an excellent starting point for exploring Greve in Chianti. Visitors can easily access the town's artisan shops, wine bars, and local eateries from here. It’s a perfect spot to pause, enjoy a gelato or an espresso, and soak in the authentic Italian atmosphere. The square's accessibility and central location make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Chianti region.
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