Interested in a slightly different destination for an overseas vacation? Look no further than Rehoboth Beach’s sister city – Greve-in-Chianti located in the Tuscany region of Italy. The two cities formed that special relationship in 2010. In 2023, the mayor of Greve gifted Rehoboth with a terracotta fountain that is in Cranberry Garden, located appropriately near RB’s Olive Street.
Greve is believed to be the birthplace of 16th century explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who explored the Delaware coastline in 1524 and discovered the Hudson River in New York. His actual birthplace is a tiny village called Montefiorelle that borders Greve.
Overall, a total of 1,800 cities, states, and counties in the U.S. have partnered with 138 countries. A sister city relationship is a long-term, cooperative relationship between two cities in different countries through which cultural, educational, business, and technical exchanges take place and they exist all over the U.S.
A relationship is formalized when two mayors (or highest elected/appointed officials) sign a memorandum of understanding establishing a sister city relationship. The mission of sister cities is to promote peace through mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding—one individual and one community at a time. A sister city program offers an opportunity to travel, build partnerships, and promote peace and understanding.
Greve in Chianti is an ideal location for touring the countryside of Tuscany as well as its two well-known cities that border the Chianti wine region. It is located about 21 miles south of Florence and about 52 miles north of Siena. There are many similarities between the two cities, but each maintains its own unique character.
What is the allure of Greve? Plenty – especially for wine, history, and olive oil lovers! Greve is one of seven sub-zones in what is known as the Chianti Classico region, the oldest and most genuine area in the Chianti region. It boasts a variety of agricultural activities, especially the growing of the grapes that go into Chianti wines. Olive oil production is another staple of the local economy. Extra virgin Tuscan olive oil is prized for its delicate flavor, compared to the stronger, thicker olive oils of the south. Truffle harvesting is a robust feature of local food production as well. Both black and white truffles are hunted in Chianti.
Greve’s history is connected to the Castle of Montefioralle located above the town. It served as a marketplace in the 13th century. Its position at the crossroads of three important pilgrimage roads – Chiantigiana, Valdarno, and Val di Pesa – boosted economic growth for the town.
Piazza Matteotti is the main focal point in Greve although it isn’t really “square”. Aside from being an irregular shape, the Piazza is the portico on three sides of the “square”, that serves as the frame for boutique shops, artisan’s workshops and restaurants.
Highlights of the town include the Santa Croce Church that houses some of the masterpieces from the surrounding region such as a 14th century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary and Child. Near the church is the Museum of Sacred Art and not far away is the Wine Museum where one can do a tasting and view a variety of farm machinery on display along with 180 corkscrews. The museum celebrates two centuries of Chianti’s artisan and winemaking tradition.
Rehoboth residents Suzanne Feaster and her husband Dave visited Greve a few years ago and confirmed that it is well worth a visit. “Charming and in a great location for touring Tuscany” says Suzanne.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
