Montepulciano in southern Tuscany

Montepulciano is a Renaissance town situated on a 605-meter-high hilltop in southern Tuscany ( province of Siena ), between the Val di Chiana and the Val d'Orcia. The town, with approximately 13.000 inhabitants, is known for its Vino Nobile red wine, the Piazza Grande with its palaces, and the Church of San Biagio just outside the town.

Sights in Montepulciano

The old town stretches up the hilltop in the shape of an elongated "S" – from the Porta al Prato city gate to the Piazza Grande at the very top. Due to the incline, allow plenty of time for the walk and wear comfortable shoes.

Piazza Grande, Cathedral and Palazzo Comunale

The city's highest square is its center. The Palazzo Comunale, with its façade by Michelozzo, is reminiscent of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence . Opposite it stand the Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Contucci. The cathedral was built from 1594 onwards according to plans by Ippolito Scalza; its façade remained unfinished. Inside hangs the large triptych of the Assumption of the Virgin by Taddeo di Bartolo (1401).

Temple of San Biagio

Below the town stands the pilgrimage church of San Biagio, a masterpiece of the High Renaissance by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder (from 1518 onwards). The central building, constructed of light travertine with a dome and surrounded by a cypress avenue, is one of the most photographed sights in Tuscany. It's about a 15-20 minute walk downhill from the old town.

Historic wine cellars

Beneath many palaces lie ancient cellars where Vino Nobile matures. Several wineries in the old town, such as Contucci on the Piazza Grande or Cantine De' Ricci, can be visited – often with a tasting. Other well-known wineries in the area include Avignonesi, Boscarelli, and Poliziano.

Guided tours of historic wine cellars with tastings, cooking classes and tours of the surrounding area can also be found at GetYourGuide (Montepulciano).

More Attractions

• Torre di Pulcinella: Clock tower near the church of Sant'Agostino, on which a Pulcinella figure strikes the hours
• Fortezza Medicea: Fortress at the highest point of the city, also designed by Sangallo the Elder
• Civic Museum: municipal museum with art and archaeological finds

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Wine, festivals and events

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is made from at least 70% Sangiovese grapes (locally Prugnolo Gentile). The vineyards surround the town; many wineries offer tours and tastings, usually by appointment. Read more about the region's wines in our article " Wine of Tuscany".

Bravìo delle Botti and Cantiere d'Arte

The highlight of the year is the Bravío delle Botti on the last Sunday in August: Two runners from each of the eight contrade (districts) push an approximately 80-kilogram wine barrel uphill for about 1,8 kilometers to the cathedral in the Piazza Grande. In July, the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte festival takes place, featuring music, opera, and theater. Current dates can be found on the Montepulciano town website.

Practical tips: Arrival, parking, market and opening hours

Arrival and parking

You can reach Montepulciano by car via the A1 motorway (Valdichiana/Bettolle exit) in about 20 minutes. The old town is a traffic-calmed zone (ZTL) – park in the paid parking lots on the edge of the old town and walk up. Montepulciano Stazione train station is several kilometers away in the valley; buses run from there.

Market

The weekly market takes place on Thursday mornings. For those wishing to visit other markets in the area: there is a market in Pienza on Fridays . You can find all markets by day of the week in our overview of weekly markets in Tuscany.

Opening hours of the shops

Smaller shops in Tuscany are usually open from around 9 am to 13 pm and from 15 pm or 16 pm to 19:30 pm, with a longer lunch break in smaller towns. In a touristy old town like Montepulciano, wine shops and souvenir stores often have longer opening hours during the season and are also open on weekends. You can find more information in our guide to shopping in Tuscany.

Excursions in the area

Montepulciano is ideally located for tours through the Val d'Orcia: the Renaissance town of Pienza is only about 13 km away, and Siena is just over an hour's drive. Nearby are also thermal springs such as Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo – more information can be found under Thermal Baths of Tuscany.

Tours & Accommodation

GetYourGuide (Val d'Orcia) offers organized wine tours through the Val d'Orcia, connecting Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino. Hotels, agriturismos, and vacation rentals in and around Montepulciano can be found at Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions about Montepulciano