What to see in Montepulciano
Montepulciano, a town in the Sienese hills of the Val d'Orcia, is a must-see destination for those who love history, art and wine. Founded by the Etruscans in the 4th century B.C., the medieval town sits on a ridge of volcanic rock, offering a unique experience when explored on foot. The agricultural landscape is dotted with vineyards and olive groves, with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as a food and wine excellence. Not to be missed are historical monuments such as Palazzo Bucelli, Palazzo Cervini, and the majestic Piazza Grande with the Palazzo Comunale. The Temple of San Biagio represents a Renaissance architectural masterpiece. Events such as the Bravio delle Botti enliven the town, making Montepulciano a destination rich in culture, history and traditions.
Montepulciano is a town located in the Sienese hills of the Val d’Orcia. A medieval town built on top of a ridge of volcanic rock, it is recommended to visit on foot-it is a wonderful experience. The important thing is to know what to see in Montepulciano.
What To See In Montepulciano
First of all, it should be known that Montepulciano has an ancient and long history, as it was founded by the Etruscans in the fourth century BC (according to legend by King Porsenna himself). However, little evidence remains of the city’s Etruscan-Roman period.
Located between Florence and Rome, the best-known image of Montepulciano is that of a historic center rich in works of art and historical evidence that harmonizes with the natural landscape of rolling hills.
In fact, the town is located within an agricultural landscape, rich in vineyards and olive groves, often highly specialized. In addition, the natural environment is also characterized by chestnut, holm oak and Scots pine forests (which distinguish all of southeastern Tuscany).
It is a heterogeneous territory, which has developed its own rural dimension, without being influenced by the characteristics of the surrounding areas.
This is why Montepulciano and its territory are so appreciated both as a tourist destination and by passing tourists, who choose to stop for a stopover.
Among other things, Montepulciano is highly appreciated as a destination by wine and food tourism, as it is home to excellent vineyards: this is why it is world-famous as the production site of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (DOCG mark).
What to see in Montepulciano: the monuments
Although agritourisms are a great asset of the Montepulciano area, the town has many different attractions, starting with the monuments and evidence of its past. Let us therefore examine what to see in Montepulciano.
Let’s start from the main gate, from which a large number of stone alleys dating back to the medieval and Renaissance periods unfold. Keep your head up: this way you can admire in their entirety the splendid palaces of the center.
For example, the Palazzo Bucelli (whose basement is covered with Etruscan and Latin inscriptions), Palazzo Cocconi, Palazzo Cervini (the work of Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, as well as Palazzo Ricci and Palazzo Contucci) are very renowned.
In the city center are other aristocratic palaces, such as Palazzo Grugni and Palazzo Neri-Orselli (which houses the Civic Museum), and the Clock Tower (also called the Punchinello Tower).
The most important point of the city, the one where most of the social and commercial life takes place, is Piazza Grande. It houses the Gothic-style Palazzo Comunale (the facade was created by Michelozzo).
In addition, you can also admire a tall tower. Climb to the top: from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana.
Other monuments to visit in Montepulciano include the Duomo (dating back to the 16th century) and the Tarugi Palace. For a little break in a very special place, I recommend the Poliziano café: it is a lovely, well-restored 19th-century café.
Turning to what to see in Montepulciano in the category of religious monuments, you cannot miss the Temple of San Biagio. It is a splendid church, a masterpiece by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio, which you can also admire from the top of the city walls.
What To See In Montepulciano: San Biagio
To reach it, you have to go out of town and walk along a tree-lined avenue: the church, in fact, is located in a sheltered area, surrounded by greenery and silence.
What to do in Montepulciano
Once we have examined what to see in Montepulciano, let’s move on to what are the most important events that take place there. On the last Sunday of August each year, for example, the Bravio delle Botti is held.
Risalongside the fourteenth century, it sees the eight city Contrade compete in a race through the streets of the historic center: two men, the so-called “spingitori,” participate for each contrada, pushing an 80-pound barrel.
Other events not to be missed are the cultural events belonging to the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte (with the participation of both great artists and citizens) and the Bruscello Poliziano.
Born in 1939, it is held every year in August in front of the Duomo: it is a typically popular and peasant Tuscan theater that combines singing and acting in delight.
Finally, once in Montepulciano, you cannot miss participating in the food and wine tours, especially those that focus on the famous reds of Montepulciano.
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Photo credits:
1) Montepulciano => Pug Girl
2) San Biagio in Montepulciano => Wikipedia[:]
