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Village · Siena, Toscana
Montalcino
Small walled town on a hill in the Val d'Orcia, with a 14th-century fortress, known worldwide for the Brunello di Montalcino wine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Montalcino
Montalcino sits atop a hill covered in vineyards and olive trees, about 40 km south of Siena. The town still has parts of its walls and, at the highest point, the Fortezza, built in 1361 by the people of Siena. When Siena fell to Florence in 1555, the last defenders of the republic held out there for another four years.
From the Fortezza, the walks along the walls offer views over the Val d'Orcia and the surrounding hills. Inside the town, the Piazza del Popolo contains the Palazzo dei Priori, with a tall narrow tower, and the streets climb and descend between churches and shops selling local products.
Montalcino is known for Brunello di Montalcino, a red wine made only from the sangiovese grape in the municipality's area and aged for years before being sold. The enoteche in the center sell and serve the wine by the glass, and many wineries in the area receive visitors by appointment. Those who will drive should leave the tasting to the designated driver or to someone on foot.
A few kilometers away, the Romanesque abbey of Sant'Antimo stands isolated among olive trees and is often combined with a visit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours in the town. With a winery visit, half a day.
Best time
September and October, the grape harvest season, and spring, from April to June. Winery visits usually require advance booking.
How to get there
By car, about 50 minutes from Siena. There are buses from Siena with few departures. The center has a ZTL; park in the lots by the Fortezza or outside the walls.
Tip
Book winery visits in advance and agree who will drive. Include the abbey of Sant'Antimo, about 10 km away, if you have a car.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Montalcino
What is Brunello di Montalcino?
It is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes, produced only in the municipality of Montalcino and aged for years before release.
Do I need to book visits to the wineries?
In most of them, yes. The enotecas in town don't usually require booking and serve wine by the glass.
Can you go from Siena without a car?
Yes, by bus, but schedules are sparse. With a car it's easy to combine with Pienza and the abbey of Sant'Antimo.
What to see besides the wine?
The 14th-century Fortezza with walkways along the walls, the Piazza del Popolo and, nearby, the Romanesque abbey of Sant'Antimo.