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    Montepulciano

    Italy

    Montepulciano

    CityCulinaryCultureNature

    Montepulciano sits in the south of Siena province on a roughly 605-meter limestone ridge. Its medieval and Renaissance old town culminates in Piazza Grande, home to the Town Hall and Cathedral.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Tuscany
    9. Montepulciano
    Montepulciano sits in the south of Siena province on a roughly 605-meter limestone ridge. Its medieval and Renaissance old town culminates in Piazza Grande, home to the Town Hall and Cathedral. The city is famed for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano red wine, with many cellars nestled directly beneath the old town's palaces.

    Sights in Montepulciano

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Tempio di San Biagio
    Church

    1Tempio di San Biagio

    The pilgrimage church Madonna di San Biagio is located slightly below the town, outside its walls. It was built starting in 1518, entirely from travertine from the Sant'Albino quarries, following plans by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. The church has a Greek cross plan with a dome; only one of the two planned bell towers was built, which makes the façade asymmetrical. The return path to the old town is steep, and there is parking nearby.
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    Cantina Contucci
    Attraction

    2Cantina Contucci

    The Contucci family operates their winery in Palazzo Contucci on Piazza Grande, a palace dating back to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. Large oak barrels for Vino Nobile are stored in the historic cellars. Tastings are offered.
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    Piazza Grande & Duomo
    Church

    3Piazza Grande & Duomo

    The main square is framed by the Palazzo Comunale with its late 14th-century façade by Michelozzo, the Cathedral, and several Renaissance palaces. The Cathedral was built from 1594 to 1680 following a design by Ippolito Scalza. Inside stands the large triptych of the Assumption of Mary by Taddeo di Bartolo, dating from 1401.
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    De' Ricci Cantine Storiche
    Attraction

    4De' Ricci Cantine Storiche

    Beneath the 1534 Renaissance Palazzo Ricci is a large vaulted cellar, called the 'Cathedral of Wine' for its high arches. Here, wines mature in Slavonian oak casks, tonneaux, and barriques. Tours with tasting are available at set times by reservation.
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    City walks in Montepulciano

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Montepulciano: Picturesque Lanes and Noble Wine

    Experience Montepulciano on a relaxed tour of the historic old town. From majestic gates to the vibrant main square, discover architectural masterpieces, breathtaking views and the soul of Tuscan wine culture. An unforgettable experience for all the senses.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (7)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    1

    Acquacheta

    Small osteria in the old town with communal tables. It's known for Bistecca, priced by weight, and local Pecorino. There's limited seating and set dining times, so reserve in advance.
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    2

    Osteria del Conte

    Family-run spot near Piazza Grande, serving Tuscan comfort food like Pici, braised dishes, and game. The rooms are small and plain.
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    3

    Trattoria di Cagnano

    Trattoria on the main street Via di Voltaia nel Corso, serving Pici, grilled meat dishes, and pizza. Popular with families, prices are moderate.
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    4

    La Vineria di Montepulciano

    Wine bar on the main street with a large selection of Vino Nobile and other regional wines, plus cheese and charcuterie boards and simple dishes.
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    Dining and Drinks

    In Montepulciano, it's all about wine, Pecorino, and grilled meat.

    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    Red wine from at least 70 percent Sangiovese (Prugnolo gentile), with DOCG status since 1980. Several wineries in the old town offer tastings.

    Pici all'aglione

    Thick, hand-rolled pasta with a flavorful garlic-tomato sauce. Aglione is a mild-aromatic giant leek variety from the Val di Chiana.

    The Culture and History

    Between Siena and FlorenceMontepulciano was repeatedly attacked by Siena in the Middle Ages and allied itself with Florence in 1390; peace with Florence became final in 1511. In the 15th and 16th centuries, master builders like Michelozzo, Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, Baldassarre Peruzzi, and Vignola shaped the city's palaces and churches. The humanist poet Angelo Poliziano was born here in 1454.Vino NobileVino Nobile di Montepulciano consists of at least 70 percent Sangiovese, which is called Prugnolo gentile here. It has held DOCG status since 1980.Bravio delle BottiOn the last Sunday in August, teams from the eight Contrade roll heavy wine barrels through the city during the Bravio delle Botti. The race dates back to the 14th century.

    Traveling in Montepulciano

    On FootPack comfortable shoes for the old town; the paths are steep and cobbled.Bus and TrainBuses depart from Piazza Pietro Nenni for Siena, Pienza, and Chiusi, among others; service is noticeably thinner on Sundays. The nearest train station with frequent trains to Florence and Rome is Chiusi, roughly half an hour away.CarYou may only drive into the old town with a permit, which hotels can obtain for their guests. Park in the car parks on the outskirts of town.

    Accommodations in Montepulciano

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    Campgrounds in Montepulciano

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    Plan your trip to Montepulciano

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      • 1Tempio di San Biagio3 days
      • 2Cantina Contucci4 days
      • 3Piazza Grande & Duomo5 days
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    Nearby

    Val d'Orcia

    Val d'Orcia

    The Val d'Orcia is a hilly landscape south of Siena, stretching around Montalcino, San Quirico, and Pienza, all the way to Monte Amiata. Since 2004, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. It acquired its current appearance in the 14th and 15th centuries, when wealthy merchants from Siena invested in agriculture. The World Heritage site includes Montalcino, San Quirico d'Orcia, Castiglione d'Orcia, Rocca d'Orcia, Monticchiello, and Radicofani; Pienza is a separate World Heritage site.
    Siena

    Siena

    Siena grew on three hills, its main streets converging in a depression where the Piazza del Campo now lies. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, its Old Town largely retains its 12th to 15th-century Gothic character. On the Campo stand the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia; the Cathedral, with its marble floor, is nearby. Twice yearly, on July 2nd and August 16th, the Palio takes place on the Campo.
    Orvieto

    Orvieto

    Orvieto is located in southwestern Umbria on a volcanic tuff plateau overlooking the Paglia Valley. The city dates back to an Etruscan settlement. It is known for its Gothic cathedral with a mosaic facade and frescoes by Luca Signorelli, the Pozzo di San Patrizio, and the many caves carved into the tuff beneath the city. The train station is at the foot of the rock, approximately 125 rail kilometers from Rome.
    Perugia

    Perugia

    Perugia is the capital of Umbria and stretches across several hills. The city dates back to the Etruscan Phersna; a city gate and fountain from that era are preserved. At its center are the Piazza IV Novembre with the Fontana Maggiore, the Cathedral, and the Palazzo dei Priori with the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. Perugia is home to the University of Perugia.
    Umbria

    Umbria

    Umbria in central Italy is the Apennine Peninsula's only landlocked region. Around 850,000 people live here; Perugia is its capital. The landscape shifts between hills, the Tiber Valley, Lake Trasimeno, and the mountains bordering Marche, where Monte Vettore, at 2,476 meters, is the highest peak. Numerous towns sit on hills, retaining their medieval character, including Assisi, Orvieto, Gubbio, Todi, and Spoleto.

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