Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany.

Wine lovers are in for a treat as it is famous for not just one, but two, excellent wines, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano.

This Medieval beauty is not bombarded by tourists, making it an ideal day trip from Rome, or a weekend break out of town, with a wine tour being the icing on the cake.

It is built on a ridge of Monte Poliziano in the province of Sienna in Tuscany and it is the ancient Etruscan city of Nocera Alfaterna, which in 308 B.C. made an alliance with Rome against the Samnites. In the Middle Ages it was under the control of Florence, but was conquered by Sienna in 1260.

The main street of Montepulciano stretches for 11.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. This piazza, entirely surrounded by masterpieces of Renaissance architecture, has managed to preserve its original atmosphere. Right in front of you, you will see the Palazzo Comunale, designed by Michelozzo.

The town is decorated with beautiful noble buildings, such as the church of Sant’Agostino (also designed by Michelozzo), Palazzo Cervini, which now houses a bank, Palazzo Grugni, which was possibly designed by Vignola, Palazzo Cocconi, attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, and the Fortress.

Movie buffs will know that Montepulciano was the location for the film New Moon, as part of the Twilight movie saga, as seen in the photo above.

With breathtaking views from every corner of it’s mini piazzas, and delicious wines, each exquisite detail of Montepulciano, is worth every minute.

Italy’s Best Montepulciano Wine Tour is a must, tailor made to ensure that you discover the most of this Tuscan gem.