Montepulciano

Travel Guide

Montepulciano showing landscape views, a city and heritage architecture
Montepulciano featuring heritage architecture
Montepulciano featuring heritage architecture
Montepulciano featuring signage
Montepulciano which includes a garden

Experience authentic yet unassuming Tuscan charm as you wander along streets framed by medieval masterpieces, galleries, trattorias and wine bars.

With medieval monuments, traditional taverns and wine bars set around labyrinthine streets, Montepulciano is everything you would expect of a Tuscan hill town. Montepulciano’s beguiling architectural landscape bears testament to the affluence of the aristocratic families that resided here between the 14th and 16th centuries. This is offset by a stunning setting above the Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia, two valleys decorated with olive groves, patchwork fields and sprawling vineyards.

The town’s atmospheric heart is an area of narrow and hilly lanes set inside ancient walls. Enter through Porta al Prato and make your way along Il Corso, the town’s main thoroughfare. See Gothic and Renaissance palaces located beside bars, boutiques, cafés and fashion outlets. Pause to admire centuries-old treasures such as Palazzo Avignonesi, Chiesa di Sant’Agostino and Torre di Pulcinella.

Veer off Il Corso to visit Piazza Grande, the town’s sumptuous central square and its highest point. Gaze at the unfinished façade of the 16th-century Montepulciano Cathedral, which houses works by Sienese masters. Enjoy panoramic views of lush countryside from the tower of the town hall, Palazzo Comunale. On clear days you can see the towns of MontalcinoOpens in a new window and PienzaOpens in a new window in the near distance.

Continue to the Fortezza and look down on the beautiful Renaissance church, Chiesa di San Biagio. Spot art and Etruscan civilization artifacts at the Museo Civico.

Take a break from sightseeing at the osteria (taverns) and traditional trattorias. The town is famous for its production of the Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano red wines. These are readily available at the enoteche (wine bars) and wine-tasting cellars on Il Corso. Learn more about the town’s viticulture on a tour of Fattoria le Capezzine, a vineyard just a 20-minute drive west.

Montepulciano sits toward the southeast corner of the province of SienaOpens in a new window. Daytrip buses travel regularly throughout the year from FlorenceOpens in a new window and Siena. Rent a car and take advantage of the town’s convenient location close to other Tuscan hill towns, including MonticchielloOpens in a new window and San Quirico d’OrciaOpens in a new window.

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Reviews of Montepulciano

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
47
5 - Excellent 84%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 16%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Gorgeous little hidden gem in Tuscany. Best views of the Tuscan country side. Many little shops a a restaurant and great wine. Highly recommend a visit to this town.

5/5 - Excellent

Joey

Best wine around and just a beautiful place to visit for any trip to Italy.

5/5 - Excellent

Constance

Montepulciano is a relaxing place with a pace to match. It is great to leisurely enjoy this town, its cuisine and enotecas as well as nearby hill towns. The people are all so nice and seem content to live in this beautiful place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don’t miss Cantina Contucci. Church of San Biagio is amazing. Explore all the fabulous restaurants. Don’t miss Caffe Poliziano on the Main Street. Take time and relax!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Food and wine paradise. Loved the town, lots of walking with incredible views of Tuscany.

5/5 - Excellent

Piotr

Tuscany most beautiful town.

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