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What to see in Montepulciano, a town in the province of Siena famous for its wine? I’ll start by telling you that Montepulciano is a wonderful historical town: with the excuse of drinking some excellent Vino Nobile you have the chance to admire a beautiful Tuscan town!

Here, then, is a list of what to see in Montepulciano!

What to see in Montepulciano: Piazza Grande

The center of Montepulciano is definitely Piazza Grande. In this beautiful square you can admire the 16th-century Cathedral of Montepulciano, Palazzo Contucci and the Town Hall. Next to the Duomo is a beautiful bell tower, of earlier origin than the Duomo. The history of the Duomo is very troubled: the first plans, in fact, were rambling and lengthened the work to almost 100 years. Inside the Duomo, the Triptych by Taddeo di Bartolo stands out for its beauty.

Also in the Piazza Grande of Montepulciano it is possible to appreciate the Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni, designed by Antonio Sangallo in the 16th century: there is the symbol of the Medici family to enrich the well. Piazza Grande is completed by the Palazzo Nobili Tarugi.

Piazza Grande in Montepulciano is beautiful at any time of day. I recommend, however, that you visit it at night, when the daily tourists have already left Montepulciano. You will have a chance to fully enjoy the beauty of this wonderful square!

What to see in Montepulciano: Town Hall

The Town Hall of Montepulciano is well worth a visit! If you don’t suffer from claustrophobia and vertigo, I highly recommend paying the five euros to climb to the top. The view from the top is truly spectacular! Expect to walk down some cramped stairs, but the reward is extremely high!

In fact, from the top of City Hall you can view the beautiful Piazza Grande from above and the beautiful Tuscan hills. If you suffer slightly from claustrophobia, you might try to make it all the way to the first balcony-the trickiest stretch, in fact, is from the balcony to the highest point, where there is a bell.

What to see in Montepulciano: Medici Fortress

Only three hundred meters away from Piazza Grande is the Medici fortress, dating back to the 13th century. Little remains of this fortress: it is the symbol of the medieval struggles between Florence and Siena. In fact, the name “Medicea” encapsulates years of battles: the fortress was originally built by the Sienese but was rebuilt by the Florentines.

Currently, a recent (late 19th century) reconstruction of the Fortress can be admired. The interior is used as a college, an exhibition center and a wine shop!

What to see in Montepulciano: scenic spots

In the list of what to see in Montepulciano, you cannot miss the viewpoints! One of the most beautiful, in my opinion, is located near the restaurant “E lucevan le stelle”. From this vantage point, in fact, you can admire a beautiful view of the Tuscan hills. The best time to appreciate the Tuscan hills from this vantage point is at sunset: the view is enchanting!

There is another viewpoint on Ricci Street, about a hundred meters before “E lucevan le stelle”: from here it is possible to appreciate a beautiful view of Lake Trasimeno.

What to see in Montepulciano: the course

The center of Montepulciano is characterized by the Corso. In this street, about 800 meters long, it is possible to appreciate sumptuous period palaces, small stores, bars and restaurants. Among the most important palaces in Montepulciano is Palazzo Avignonesi. Near it is a column, culminating with a lion: this column was commissioned by Florence, which wanted in this way to celebrate its victory over Siena. In the typical stores of Montepulciano you can buy various cold cuts, pici (typical Sienese pasta). The Poliziano café, on the other hand, is a symbol of Montepulciano: this historic café offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Montepulciano was built on top of a hill: the walk from the Corso to Piazza Duomo may prove tiring, as the climb is steep.

What to see in Montepulciano: Clock Tower

Just before Avignonesi Palace, in Michelozzo Square, you can see a beautiful Clock Tower. This beautiful tower culminates with a representation of Pulcinella. It is still not very clear why there is a statue depicting Pulcinella in Montepulciano. Legend has it that one of the local bishops had Neapolitan origins and, to remember his roots, decided to dedicate the Clock Tower to Pulcinella.

What to see in Montepulciano: Temple of San Biagio

The Temple of San Biagio is definitely worth a visit! You can reach the Temple of San Biagio by car or a 15-minute walk from Piazza Grande (25 on the way back, the climb is steep and steady).

The Temple of San Biagio is a splendid Renaissance church, built in the 16th century to a design by Sangallo. The interior of the church is also worthwhile: the work “Madonna Enthroned with Child” by Signorelli is still much loved by the citizens of Montepulciano.

Near the Temple of San Biagio there is a beautiful cypress avenue. I highly recommend taking a short walk to photograph the avenue with the temple in the background.

What to see in Montepulciano: the wine shops

On the list of what to see in Montepulciano you cannot miss a wine shop! Throughout the town there are dozens of wine shops, where you can taste excellent wine. I would recommend Talosa (where you can combine a light lunch with the tasting) and Ercolani. The second one, in particular, offers free tastings and allows you to visit the ancient underground city, full of tunnels, crypts, stone stairs…definitely worth a visit!

In Montepulciano the classic wine is Nobile. Much of the wine production is red, and I must say it is excellent!

IN ADDITION THE BEST IN VAL D’ORCIA YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

A tour near Siena

A tour of northern Lazio

The province of Siena!

USEFUL INFORMATION ON WHAT TO SEE IN MONTEPULCIANO

Where to sleep in Montepulciano? In Montepulciano I slept very well at Albergo Duomo (BOOKING).

Where to eat in Montepulciano. I highly recommend eating at Fra l’Altro (excellent pici), Osteria Acquacheta (incredible fiorentina steak, you can bring your own bottle of wine bought at one of Montepulciano’s wine shops), Pentolaccia or a sandwich with a good wine at Schiaccia dell’Opio.

A good place to eat and drink is also Sax Wine Bar, popular with students for its cocktails.

Montepulciano can be reached by public transportation, but it is not easy. The easiest way is to reach the Chiusi – Chianciano train station and then take a bus, which takes about 45 minutes.

A car is definitely the most convenient way to reach Montepulciano. Definitely using a car is the best way to visit the Val d’Orcia, which I describe in this post.

The best seasons to visit Montepulciano are spring and autumn. Summer temperatures, in fact, go up quite a bit and make it less pleasant to visit…and to taste red wine!

At the end of August there is the Bravio delle Botti. The eight contrade (districts) of the historic center of Montepulciano compete in a very athletic competition that consists of running the fastest through the streets of the center dragging a barrel down the steep streets!

Montepulciano is an excellent place to relax and enjoy life. Visiting the town, inhabited by about 15,000 people, takes a day. The beauty of Montepulciano, however, lies in enjoying the center at night: strolling through Piazza del Duomo (almost) alone, after drinking some excellent wine, is a sensation to be experienced!