A magnificent palace of the thirteenth century, full of history in the heart of the central Piazza Duomo in San Gimignano, graced by one of the famous twelve towers still standing in this beautiful medieval city: welcome to Chigi Palace.
San Gimignano
Welcome to Chigi Palace
Piazza Duomo is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy: elegant, refined, luxurious and mysterious, the beating heart of the city with its medieval style, typical of Tuscan architecture. The Tower of the Podestà, the Salvucci Towers, the Rognosa Tower, the Chigi Tower, the Ardinghelli Tower and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta are some of the jewels of this beautiful and unique city, a UNESCO heritage site that rises to the sky like a star on a hill.
My father taught me that good wine needs a historic beauty as a frame to be better accompanied.
San Gimignano has always lived inside me as a beautiful memory. It is the city that, as a child, I always tried never to leave, because it has always been part of me. Here, every day of the year begins by breathing romantic air, in a special and unique place created to celebrate, to appreciate the simple things in life, to cherish old buildings that have witnessed so many stories and glories, watched over by the tall and majestic towers that rise into the sky, presenting this magnificent, magical star.
San Gimignano towers
A romantic dinner at the palace
Chigi Palace is the best place to end a romantic day with dinner at the palace. From here you can savor every moment of sunset, enjoy delicacies, look out from the balcony and admire the magnificent Piazza Duomo and all the towers around it, while a pair of lovers stroll arm in arm along the narrow streets. In this magical place you can lose yourself, and find yourself again somewhere different, full of charm, beauty and uniqueness.
Celebrating a birthday, an engagement or an anniversary at the historic Chigi Palace is a special event, a luxury made to remember and mark an important date.
Here the theme is the Middle Ages, with background music from a graceful harp and the sweet voice of a soprano gladdening the evening with her melody. Dinner opens with an aperitif served standing, just a glass of champagne accompanied by snacks, cashews, walnuts and hazelnuts, meant to entertain guests before they go to the table.
The menu follows the season: we always use fresh, seasonal ingredients, preferably bought at outdoor market stalls.
Hospitality
Receiving guests at Chigi Palace
Inviting someone to dinner means caring about their happiness for all the time they spend in the company of the Giachi family. That's why every guest, or anyone taking part in a special event, comes away having lived our hospitality with joy.
The chance to have dinner at Chigi Palace has to be a very special occasion — we don't always invite friends and guests, only for an important birthday, a wedding anniversary or an engagement, to make it unique and memorable. Only for these unique occasions do we open the doors of the palace to celebrate.
On these occasions the evening is divided into three moments, starting with appetizers passed around by the waiter. Wine is the main protagonist of the whole evening.
We start by presenting the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a delicate and fragrant white wine, followed by a Chianti Classico two years old, then we taste a Chianti Classico Riserva three years old, produced from selected grapes off vines with a minimum age of 20 years.
Then we continue with a Super Tuscan four years old, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in oak barrels, followed by another Super Tuscan made of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon aged four years in chestnut barrels, then a splendid Brunello di Montalcino and our own "Wine Event" Terrestre, a wine built to age well.
During the meal we also taste the delicate Extra Virgin Tuscan Olive Oil, Truffle Oil and the delicate Gold Reserve Balsamic Vinegar. All these wines and oils come together during dinner, the most important part of the evening, alongside special dishes such as risotto with figs. Dinner has its own table setting and service.
In the third part of the dinner comes a fantastic homemade dessert with chocolate fondant and raspberry, all accompanied by coffee, champagne and wines for the end of the meal — meditation wines.
A musical theme runs through the whole evening, and for larger events there is live music.
The details
The table set
The table is set with a lovely tablecloth, lace if possible. On the table sit hand-decorated placemats, coordinated with the setting. Above them, a fine white porcelain plate, with a second porcelain plate from the same service, napkins, small plates for the bread, and trays as the stars of a beautiful table.
The glasses are fanned out, eight for each guest, one for every wine tasted during the dinner. On the table, vintage crystal decanters, coasters for the wine bottles, silver candlesticks with candles create a romantic, scenic atmosphere — all the details that make dinner at the Useppi Palace unique and unforgettable.
FAQ
Where is Chigi Palace located?
Chigi Palace is a magnificent thirteenth-century palace located in the heart of the central Piazza Duomo in San Gimignano.
What kind of events can be celebrated at Chigi Palace?
The palace is a special place to celebrate a birthday, an engagement, or an anniversary. These events are designed to be unique and memorable.
What is the theme of the dinner at Chigi Palace?
The dinner theme is the Middle Ages, featuring background music from a graceful harp and the sweet voice of a soprano. The menu always uses fresh, seasonal ingredients.
What wines are served during dinner at Chigi Palace?
The wine selection includes Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, Brunello di Montalcino, and the house wine "Terrestre." Guests are served eight glasses, one for every wine tasted during the dinner.
