Montepulciano

Visit

Fortezza di Montepulciano

The fortress' existence was first mentioned in the 7th century when it was known as Castrum Politianum and had the purpose of defending the city as its position is extremely strategic: from the top you can see Val di Chiana on one side and Val d’Orcia on the other. The fort which resembles more what we can see nowadays was built in 1261 whilst Montepulciano was under the reign of Siena. A second interesting role the fortress undertook was when, at the end of 1800, Francesco Saverio Melissari bred silkworms in a few of the structure's gigantic rooms. In 1935 it was then transformed into the local high school but has since become Montepulciano’s cultural centre.

Palazzo Contucci

One of the palazzi that sits on the central square is the perfect example of Tuscan architectural Renaissance. Just below the palace are the monumental Cantine Contucci, which were built upon the city’s Medieval walls. The Contucci family is part of the group of families attributable to Vino Nobile’s success—their cellar has been actively producing wine for 1000 years. Their belief on what wine from Montepulciano should be like is the following: “a wine produced from noble grapes intended for the consumption at noble dinner tables”.

Palazzo Ricci

Palazzo Ricci is one of the most well-preserved Renaissance structures in Montepulciano, built in the 16th century on commission by Cardinal Giovanni Maria Ricci, born in 1479 and one of the most influential figures the Vatican had in the sixteenth century. It houses a timeless wine cellar which is known as “the cathedral of wine” as well as a chapel which is ran by the Accademia Musicale Renana. Since 1970 the palazzo has belonged to the town, who has been lending it to the Hochschule für Musik Köln which houses the European Academy of Music Arts since 2001.

Palazzo Neri Orselli

The palazzo, which used to belong to the Della Robbia family, now houses the Museo Civico di Montepulciano, an archeological museum, worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.

The palazzo is only open Thursdays and Fridays, subject to change according to new regulations.

Chiesa di San Biagio

Just below Montepulciano’s historic centre sits the church of San Biagio, often referred to as a temple due to its grandeur. It was built in the 16th century by Antonio de Sangallo the Elder, and is a great example of classic Tuscan Renaissance. Built on a pre-existing pieve which originated in the paleochristian era - around the year 300. Pay close attention to the organ, built by Alamanno Contucci in 1781.

The church is closed to the public on Saturday.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

Montepulciano’s Duomo was built between 1594 and 1680, a masterpiece in the hands of the Sienese School, which houses the famous Assumption of the Virgin triptych by Taddeo di Bartolo, who painted it in 1401.

Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

The church is situated behind a beautiful portico with three arches. Inside, pay close attention to the 16th century terracotta altar by Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia.

Osteria Porta di Bacco

upscale Tuscan

A great wine selection and refined Tuscan cuisine in Montepulciano’s historical centre.

E Lucevan le Stelle

wine & view

A family owned enoteca with the option of tasting traditional Tuscan dishes or enjoying a drink at sunset.

Caffè Poliziano

historic cafè & pasticceria

Feel the history etched deep in the walls of this cafè which has been serving locals and tourists their morning coffee since 1868.

Sleep

Il Tosco

historic palace

A family run hotel with four double rooms in Montepulciano’s historic centre.

Villa Poggiano

villa & gardens

just 2km from the Medieval town sits a wonderful villa from the 1700’s, entirely restructured and with a marble pool built in the previous century.