Discovering Montepulciano

Montepulciano, in the province of Siena, is a hilltop Medieval town surrounded by picture postcard Tuscan views. Looking down from the winding cobbled streets of the centre, you can see a spread of olive groves, vineyards, and cypress trees covering the hilly landscape. It is worthwhile taking time to explore the area and the neighbouring historic centres of Pienza and Montalcino and the monuments dating back to Etruscan times.

Pausing to enjoy local cuisine and of course, a glass of Montepulciano wine, at one of the many trattorias, is almost obligatory.

Things to See and Do
The Santa Maria Cathedral and its ancient bell tower
Sit on the church steps in Piazza Grande
Enjoy a show at the Polizano Theatre
Take a train to visit Siena (1 hr) or Florence (2 hr)
Celebrate the Bravio delle Botti, a barrel race held every August
Enjoy the Renaissance architecture of the Tarugi Palace
Explore the surrounding countryside
Sip a glass of Vino Nobile of Montepulciano Doc
Enjoy the street theatre at the Bruscello Polizano Festival

Local Events

Bravio delle Botti
One of the main village festivals, held on the last Sunday in August to celebrate the patron saint, San Giovanni Decollato. Festivities centre around a race in which 16 athletes compete by pushing an 80kg barrel around a 1700m course, ending at the Piazza to win a cloth emblazoned with the image of the saint.

Bruscello Poliziano
A festival of street theatre celebrated every August, where amateur actors stage performances based on a different theme every year.

Local Food and Drink

The most famous product of Montepulciano is without doubt, the wine including:

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Vino Nobile has been a DOCG category wine since 1980 (the highest awarded under the Italian wine classification system), made entirely from local grapes, it is aged for 24 months in oak barrels before being served with roast game or grilled red meat, such as the local Fiorentine steak dish.

Red Montepulciano DOC
Based on the same grapes at the Vino Nobile, this wine is a more economical alternative to the DOCG, but a good wine nonetheless that goes well with most dishes on the Italian menu.

Spotlight on - Il Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte
Devised by the composer Hans Werner Henze, this local society aims to promote young local artists and nurture their talents. The main focus is on music, but they also encourage acting, directing, painting, ballet and photography. As a result, Montepulciano has an artistic feel and as you wander around the small winding streets filled with shops selling local handmade products, walk under the Medieval arches or relax in the piazza, do not be surprised if you are treated to a free performance.

How to Get There
By car: Even though Montepulciano is in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, is it easy to reach from the main north to south motorway, the A1 which runs from Milan to Naples, known as the 'Motorway of the Sun'. From the exit, it is around 20km to Montepulciano.
By train: Montepulciano station is around 10km from the centre, with direct trains to Siena (1 hour) and with a change at Chiusa, you can also reach Florence (2 hours).
By air: The nearest airports are Perugia (60km), Florence (100k) and Pisa (150km). Alternatively it is around a 2 hour drive from Rome (190 k).
Note: To really make the most of exploring this beautiful area with its numerous valleys, vineyards and Medieval hilltop towns, it is recommended that you hire a car.