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Montepulciano, a taste of Tuscany

Montepulciano is located on a hill in southern Tuscany, quite close to Siena and Florence. It is a fortified city of Etruscan origins and one of the most fascinating in Tuscany. Montepulciano is characterized by natural beauty, astonishing medieval and Renaissance architecture and, of course, by its famous wine - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Indeed, a wine tasting in Montepulciano is a must - but there are many other local delicacies and experiences to discover.

What to see in Montepulciano

Breathtaking views, Renaissance architecture with Baroque touches, a temple surrounded by nature ...
Here are some things to see to inspire you.
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First of all, since Montepulciano has rather uphill roads, we therefore recommend wearing suitable footwear for walking. Strolling along the picturesque and winding alleys and streets can be a bit tiring, but take your time.

Is the climb worth it?
Absolutely. Montepulciano offers wonderful views over the Val d’Orcia and the Val di Chiana, with endless green hills and golden fields.
Here is a view of the surrounding countryside:

Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande is the main square of Montepulciano, a meeting place and place where many events are organized, such as the annual Christmas market.

Here you can find the Palazzo Comunale, an austere palace that dates back to the 15th century. The building has a magnificent tower that you can climb to the top. Its facade was designed by Michelozzo and is very reminiscent of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

There are other important buildings, such as Palazzo Contucci and Palazzo Tarugi (with its splendid arcades), both attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.

Also take a look at the Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni, designed by Andrea da Sangallo the Elder. The griffins represent Montepulciano while the lions, which support the Medici coat of arms, represent Florence.


Temple of San Biagio
This imposing temple surrounded by trees is perched on a hill just outside the ancient city walls of Montepulciano. It was designed on a Greek cross plan by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder in the 16th century. It is considered one of the most extraordinary architectures of the Renaissance.

The interiors are beautifully decorated with frescoes by Zuccari.

Visit it at sunset, when the sun's rays gently touch the travertine façade and give it a warm and golden atmosphere.

What to do in Montepulciano

When in Montepulciano, wander around the city, savor some delicious Vino Nobile and other local delicacies - and watch out for the barrels rolling in the streets.

Vino Nobile Wine tasting
Among the distinctive features of the country, you can find the numerous underground cellars. Montepulciano is the home of the famous Sangiovese ruby ​​red wine (min. 70%) - Vino Nobile, which is usually aged for two years in oak barrels.
The 17th century poet, physician and biologist Francesco Redi defined Vino Nobile as “the king of all wines” in his poem Bacchus in Tuscany. Vino Nobile is a millenary and prestigious wine whose first historical reference dates back to 789. Over the centuries it has been the favorite bottle of Kings and Popes, and it was the first Italian wine to obtain the DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin ), in 1980.
It goes without saying that you should definitely indulge in a delicious wine tasting experience while in Montepulciano.
 
The folkloristic Bravìo delle botti
Every year, on the last Sunday of August, pairs of competitors from the 8 districts of Montepulciano compete by pushing huge and heavy wooden barrels for about a kilometer along the uphill streets of the town.
The winner gets the bravìo, a cloth painted by an artist according to a chosen theme.
Pretty bizarre competition, isn't it? For the occasion, Montepulciano is even more fascinating, with the various flags of the districts that adorn the streets and with the picturesque procession in which figures in medieval costumes parade that will take you back in time!

Across Tuscany

Via Vittorio Veneto, 18 52100 Arezzo

Escape srl, P.IVA 01580130514
Registro Imprese di Arezzo - REA 123193, Cap.Soc. I.V. 75.600 Euro

Information

Opening time: Monday to Friday, 9am - 7.30pm

Elisabetta +39 3663234672
info@acrosstuscany.com

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