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.

 Montepulciano - Tuscany - Italy -  605 mt above sea level - population 14,000  12.5km  E of Pienza; 67km  SE of Siena; 124km  SE of Florence; N of Orvieto 67km ; 186km N of Rome

Montepulciano, renaissance town of Southern Tuscany and important agricultural center, famous for it's  "Nobile" wine. Montepulciano lies on a hilltop in a panoramic position and is surrounded by the 15th century defensive works by "Antonio da Sangallo". Montepulciano thanks to its history, has preserved throughout the centuries many architectural jewels. The beauty of the surrounding countryside as well as the artistic treasures to be found there.

Piazza Grande is the real monumental center of Montepulciano and hosts the "Palazzo Comunale ( Town hall ) 15th century, with a big tower with breathtaking views. The overall structure is reminiscent of the palazzo della Signoria in Florence. The rest of the square is surrounded by several elegant buildings: Palazzo Cantucci, by Sangallo, Palazzo Tarugi, in front of the church, by Vignola and next the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (XIV century). Of note is the ancient well " Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni", dating back to 1520, very nice renaissance work. 

Palazzo Neri-Orselli, 14th Century palace, hosts the Civic Museum of Montepulciano, a very large exhibition of Tuscan paintings.

Palazzo Bucelli, whose facade is embedded with a patchwork of dozens of Etruscan reliefs.
 
The church of Santa Lucia, preserves a painting by Luca Signorelli.

Outside the city walls, the church of Sant' Agnese, with a 14th-century portal and a fresco of Madonna by Simone Martini.

The travertine church of San Biagio, out of the city, in the countryside, is characterized by a beautiful dome. It is one of the most significant Renaissance works and masterpiece of Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.

Montepulciano has many wine shops. (are the best places to taste the local wine "Nobile di Montepulciano", as well as to have (breakfast) with local products: pecorino cheese, salami,  crostini or bruschetta. A real pleasure for the senses !

In Sant'Albino, a small village close to Montepulciano, there are the Thermal Spas of Montepulciano, famous for its waters and mud-baths whose curative benefits have been renowned for centuries.

 Events
- Il Bruscello festival takes place in the middle of August and on the big stage set up under a symbolic tree, holds a spectacle in period costume, with local life stories and ancient Tuscan songs. More musical shows, theatre productions and exhibitions of figurative art.

- Bravio delle Botti is a barrel-rolling race competition between the 8 quarters of Montepulciano. It takes place on the last Sunday of August and consists in pushing a wine barrel of 85 kg across the narrow streets of the historic city. The festival opens with an historical parade with more than 200 people wearing 14th Century costumes.

- Antique fair market : Each 2nd week-end of the month in the historic center of Montepulciano. About 50 exhibitors.