Views across the fertile valleys of Montepulciano

Montepulciano - 9th May 2017

One of the most beautiful medieval/renaissance towns in Southern Tuscany is Montepulciano, which sits on a hill with commanding views in every direction across farms and vineyards that, along with tourism, make it quite a wealthy town.

The Montepulciano wine region is one of the best in Italy and we have certainly enjoyed their vineyards’ premium quality wines known as ‘Vino Nobile’. As well as wine, the region produces pork, cheese, honey and a very thick spaghetti type round pasta called ‘pici’, which can be tough to chew and digest if cooked too al dente.

Although, some of the streets are quite steep, Montepulciano is a great walking town with much to see including cobbled streets, tall houses, and churches. One of the most unimposing churches from the outside is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built of plain brick and stone and refreshingly, for a change, without the ornate facades that adorn many of the cathedrals in the region. Whilst the outside looks a little weatherworn, the interior is well maintained, if grey and plain, but is adorned with beautiful paintings. 

Montepulciano has been the setting for scenes in many films, both Italian and foreign made including ‘The English Patient’.

  • Several of the many wine shops that line the streets

  • Partial view of the town

  • Road leading to main square

  • The main square

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

  • An horse installation to promote an Leonardo da Vinci exhibition

  • Communal Palace