Montepulciano is a charming hill town in Tuscany. Walk the streets to get a feel for its appeal. On the outskirts of town visit San Biagio, a 16th-century church. This late-Renaissance building was constructed on the site of a pre-existing Palaeochristian pieve (a type of church) dedicated to Saint Mary and subsequently to Saint Blaise. By the early 16th century the pieve had fallen into ruin, its remains including a wall with a fresco of the Madonna with child, and Saint Francis, from a 14th-century Sienese painter. The church today has a circular plan with a large dome over a terrace and a squared tambour. The exterior, with two bell towers, is built in white travertine. It’s a lovely church worth the hike from the town center.
More Recommendations
Charming Tuscan Hill Town
Montepulciano is a charming hill town in Tuscany. Walk the streets to get a feel for its appeal. On the outskirts of town visit San Biagio, a 16th-century church. This late-Renaissance building was constructed on the site of a pre-existing Palaeochristian pieve (a type of church) dedicated to Saint Mary and subsequently to Saint Blaise. By the early 16th century the pieve had fallen into ruin, its remains including a wall with a fresco of the Madonna with child, and Saint Francis, from a 14th-century Sienese painter. The church today has a circular plan with a large dome over a terrace and a squared tambour. The exterior, with two bell towers, is built in white travertine. It’s a lovely church worth the hike from the town center.
Montepulciano, Proclama del Gonfalone in Piazza Grande
Every last Sunday of August, Bravio delle Botti ( Barrel race) and a week of amazing events take place in the historic center of Montepulciano.
Sunset view on Val D'Orcia
September sunset from Locanda San Francesco, Piazza San Francesco, Montepulciano
Montepulciano the history and the tradition
Traditional flag show for the Bravio delle Botti event, last Sunday of August
Flag show in Piazza Grande , in the week of Bravio delle Botti
From Locanda San Francesco you can easily reach (one minute on foot)all the main events in town, included all the traditional shows ( Bravio delle Botti, Bruscello, Cantiere D’Arte) in Piazza Grande
Calici di stelle , every August 10, in Piazza Grande
Every year, for the night of San Lorenzo (August 10th, the night of “falling stars”) you can experience a night of concerts and wine tasting in all the streets of the old town. A not to miss.
Montepulciano
A picture of Italy.
A town with stunning views
Montepulciano’s walls have several gates facing on the two valleys Val di Chiana and Val D’Orcia, with incredible views
Countryside aroud Montepulciano
The area around the town is stunning. You can easily drive reaching all the most known destinations in Southern Tuscany in less than half an hour, surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes you can imagine..
Montepulciano, the surroundings
Just a idea of the incredible beauty of the area..
The Town Hall
The impressive Town Hall of Montepulciano ( facade by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo)
Preview of the last vintage of Vino Nobile
Every year, in mid-February, a very important event is held in the fortess of Montepulciano, the “Anteprima del Vino Nobile”. The main producers of this important and elegant red Tuscan wine present to the specialized press and, in a specific day, also to wine lovers, the new vintage. If you are in town, it’s a not to miss to deep your knowledge of one of the most important Italian wines.
... simply driving around Montepulciano
That’s a pic taken this August, in driving from Montepulciano-old town to the nearby hamlet of Cervognano.The countryside around Montepulciano is simply stunning, you really don’t need more than 5 minutes driving to enter in the charme of the Tuscan countryside..
.. upcoming storm..
Driving from Montepulciano to Torrita di Siena.This road is really scenic, between olive trees and vineyards.and it offers a great view on Val D’Orcia and on the hamlet of Montefollonico.
..scenic drive from Montepulciano to Torrita
Driving from Montepulciano to Torrita di Siena.This road is really scenic, between olive trees and vineyards.and it offers a great view on Val D’Orcia and on the hamlet of Montefollonico.
Sunset over the Tuscan Hills
Someone told me there was an overlook for watching the sunset here in Montepulciano, but I wasn’t sure I would make it in time or if I would bother to find it. So, I just wandered around, somewhat aimlessly as is my M.O. and found this overlook. Yup, this was it. I found a spot along the wall and looked out over the Tuscan hills and valley as the colors along the old stone and brick buildings turned gold and the shadows in the valley deepened. An Aussie couple in bike gear came up beside me and we chatted about how lovely it all was. But, it was a time of mostly peace and tranquility for me. So, my usual exuberance took a hike for a few minutes so I could relish the quiet...just the click of my camera and the beating of my heart as I watched the sun finally disappear behind the Tuscan hills.
Drying Laundry - Eco Friendly Style
One of the things I love about being in Italy is simply wandering around a town or city. The Tuscan hill town of Montepulciano is perfect for this. Sure, there are the busy pedestrian ways with shops selling wine, cheese, clothing and ceramics. But, turn down a less trafficked road and you discover the real Italy. Women sweeping the cobblestones in front of their homes, old men sitting outside a small shop chatting away, children walking to school. This is where I feel I get to know a place. Take for instance laundry. Looking up at someone’s skivvies being hung out to dry...well, what better way than that to get to know someone!
Talosa
Wine cellar Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg Wine tasting !
