Guide to Montepulciano

"Perched on a hilltop, beautiful and bustling Montepulciano fuses glorious history and architecture with stunning vistas and superb local wine."

Montepulciano is so beautiful you may need to pinch yourself to believe it. Clinging to a hill washed by poppy fields in summer, it looks like a drop of medieval perfection from heaven. Its origins date to the 6th century, when the Etruscans first constructed its walls along a narrow ridge. Over the intervening centuries, the space within has been stuffed with fine palazzos, Renaissance churches and stunning piazzas, with a jumble of terracotta-roofed, pale-stoned houses. Any stroll around the steep streets reveals treasure after treasure. Check out the amazing Palazzo Avignonesi and Duomo before taking in the sun and a well-earned drink on at the Piazza Grande, the eye-popping main square. Prepare for the 'oohs' and 'aahs' promised by the Palazzo Comunale. Climb the tower of this Gothic Town Hall and you'll get the best view over the city and fields below. Last but not least, make a pilgrimage to Montepulciano's shining star. Dominating the town outskirts, the Church of the Madonna di San Biagio by Antonio Sangallo is a 16th century poem written in solid, honey-toned stone. Need to catch your breath? Just peer down any street and you'll find an intimate ristorante ready and waiting. Muse over a menu heaving with Tuscan specialities and pore the day's explorations whilst pouring out Montepulciano's acclaimed Vino Nobile wine. And if you're still up for exploring, Tuscany's your oyster. Test out the healing waters of nearby Chianciano Terme. Or continue in the same sightseeing vein, slowly taking in the delights of some of Tuscany's finest ancient town. Pienza, Chiusi and wonderful Siena are all close by.

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