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Village · Siena, Toscana
Montepulciano
Renaissance town perched on a hill between the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana, with the Piazza Grande, underground cellars and the Vino Nobile.
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 Montepulciano
Montepulciano stretches along a narrow ridge, about 65 km from Siena by road, between the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana. The main street, the Corso, climbs nearly 2 km from the entrance gate to the highest part of the town, lined with Renaissance palaces built by families connected to Florence.
At the top is the Piazza Grande, with the cathedral whose façade remains unfinished, the Palazzo Comunale—attributed to Michelozzo and inspired by Florence's Palazzo Vecchio—and a well decorated with lions and griffins. From the top of the Palazzo Comunale tower, open at certain times, the view can reach Lake Trasimeno on clear days.
The town is known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a red wine made mainly from sangiovese. Many cellars are in caves carved into the rock beneath the town's palaces and can be visited. Those who will drive should arrange in advance who will taste.
Outside the walls, on the slope below the town, stands the Tempio di San Biagio, a light-stone Renaissance church by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, isolated in a lawn with cypresses.
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
Two to three hours for the Corso, the Piazza Grande and one cellar.
Best time
April to June and September to October. On the last Sunday of August the Bravio delle Botti usually takes place, a barrel-running race in which neighborhoods push barrels uphill.
How to get there
By car, about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Siena. There are buses from Siena and a train station in the valley, around 10 km away, with buses to the center. The center has a ZTL; park in the lots outside the gates.
Tip
The climb along the Corso is long and steep: if possible, park near the upper part and walk down. Finish at the Tempio di San Biagio, just below the town.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Montepulciano
Is Montepulciano in the Val d'Orcia?
It lies on the edge, between the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana, and is often visited the same day as Pienza, about 15 km away.
What is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
It is a red wine made mainly from Sangiovese grapes in the Montepulciano area. Do not confuse it with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, made from a different grape in another region.
Can the cellars be visited?
Yes, several cellars in the town centre show the cellars dug beneath the palaces and offer tastings.
Is the town very hilly?
Yes. The Corso climbs for almost 2 km up to the Piazza Grande. Wear comfortable shoes and, if possible, park at the top.