Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears.

Montalcino is a walled hill-town of Tuscany lying in panoramic location 564 m above sea level. It enjoys splendid views of the surrounding valleys. The landscape is characterized by stark rolling hills marked by winding roads lined with dark cypresses and fortified towns.
Montalcino produces some of Tuscany's most esteemed red wines, Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino as well as an excellent Olive Oil. Mushrooms, truffles, pecorino cheese, salami and honey crown the gastronomic offer of Montalcino.

Sights to see:
The Rocca (fortress) by the five polygonal towers, | The Enoteca la Fortezza, wine-tasting shop, is a perfect place to taste the local Brunello wine | The Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) is a brick and stone building with a very fine 13th century tower |The Museo Civico and Diocesano d'Arte Sacra di Montalcino preserving paintings by Luca di Tommè, Bartolo di Fredi, Andrea di Bartolo, Sano di Pietro, Benvenuto di Giovanni, Girolamo di Benvenuto, Segna di Bonaventura, Guidoccio Cozzarelli, Sodoma, Della Robbia terracottas (15th C), two celebrated miniated bibles, one of which is from the 12th century. The Museums also host several archaeological finds from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, and from Etruscan and Roman tombs.

Duomo di San Salvatore| Church of Sant'Agostino with elegant rose window and frescos | Church of St. Egidio |
Church of  Madonna del Soccorso