What to see and what to do in Montepulciano, a great beauty in Tuscany

One of the first and most fundamental stops when visiting the historic centre of Montepulciano is surely the Sanctuary of Sant’Agnese. Located in the lower part of the town, it rises outside the walls of Montepulciano and was founded in 1306 by Santa Agnese Segni.

In addition to its characteristic gothic facade, the Church benefits from countless artistic works of great importance such as the frescoes of Simone Martini’s School, Raffaello Vanni and Ulisse Giocchi. It's also worth admiring the central rose window made by Michelangelo di Cortona.

Not far from the Church, the facade of Balzana Viviani and the Medici Fortress of Sangallo are also important, the latter is used nowadays as an educational establishment and place of several exhibitions in the town.

However, when passing through the famous and fourteenth-century Porta di Gracciano, you can reach the particular historic city center, which offers a pleasant walk along the unique medieval corners of the little town. A few steps away from Piazza Savonarola, it is possible to find the Church of San Bernardo, another cultural and artistic gem of Montepulciano, built by the architect Andrea Pozzo.

It is impossible not to mention the Vignola’s Palazzo Avignonesi, another significant historical monument of Montepulciano.

On your way up, you’ll reach Piazza Michelozzo where you’ll find the remarkable Church of Sant'Agostino, an imposing building by Michelozzo Michelozzi. Inside you will be able to admire the Donatello’s wooden crucifix placed on the altar.

Continuing further you reach Piazza Grande, the heart of Montepulciano, where to admire the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in renaissance style with its bell tower that rises over the village landscape, housing artistic masterpieces such as the Triptych of the Assumption by Taddeo di Bartolo from 1401 and the Altar of the Lilies by Andrea Della Robbia from 1512, but also historical buildings of notable beauty and importance such as Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi and the Town Hall. Another particularly picturesque thing is the Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni.

Therefore, for those who love nature, the visit isn’t over. From the top of the hill, where stands the ancient town's fortress, you can in fact enjoy wonderful views that refer to typical vast fields with cypress trees in Tuscany.

Even outside the town walls, Montepulciano offers beautiful attractions to visit. One of these is the Church of San Biagio, one of the most famous masterpieces of renaissance architecture in all of Tuscany, designed by the architect and sculptor Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio, who also created some important historic buildings in the city such as Palazzo Cervini, Palazzo Contucci and Palazzo Ricci.

Located just outside the walls of Montepulciano, this sixteenth-century church is striking for its elegant Greek cross structure and its travertine facade, which takes on bright and particular golden reflections in the sunlight, making an effect of pure harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.

Inside, the church is solemn and gives a sense of majesty and meditation, enriched by the marble reredos of the high altar which houses sculptures by Lazzeri from 1617 - Saint John the Baptist, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Agnes and Saint George - relief ornaments and frescoes, especially Madonna di San Biagio dating back to the fourteenth century.

The Church of San Biagio is immersed in a rich and evocative natural context, framed by cypress trees and hills, the symbols of the most rural side of Tuscany. To fully appreciate the beauty and history of this Renaissance wonder, discovering stories, details and historical curiosities, we recommend you take a look at the button below!

After visiting the historic centre of the town and admiring its most beautiful attractions, it's time to discover what to do in Montepulciano. And what's better than tasting the best of the local cuisine, right in the land of origin of an exceptional wine?

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is one of the most prestigious red wines in Tuscany, produced exclusively in these hills mainly from the Sangiovese grape, here also known as Prugnolo Gentile, which gives it an intense color and complex aromas of red fruits, spices and delicate scents reminiscent of vanilla and tobacco.

Vino Nobile Montepulciano pairs splendidly with typical Tuscan dishes, such as pappa al pomodoro, pici with wild boar ragù, or even grilled meats and aged cheeses, such as pecorino di Pienza. These combinations enhance the elegant structure and robust taste of Vino Nobile DOCG, offering a truly unique culinary experience experimenting with extraordinary flavors.

To fully immerse in the culture and flavors of this land, book a tasting tour including a visit to two historic cellars in Montepulciano: a perfect opportunity to discover the secrets of the production of this excellent wine, with the possibility of tasting different vintages directly in the places where it originates and matures.

Montepulciano was the location of several big screen movies and advertising sets. Its historical background and its Renaissance and medieval beauty made it a perfect shooting location for international movies and TV series with influential appearances.

One of the latest international movies shooted in Montepulciano is New Moon, the second chapter of the so loved Twilight Saga. Being on the big screen increased Montepulciano’s tourism even more, many fans wanted to feel part of the aforementioned movie just by walking down the streets of this ancient village.

Another equally important set is the one made for the well-known television drama Medici, where Montepulciano was one of the main shooting locations chosen for the entire three seasons of this tv series.

Last but not least, it is impossible not to mention other important international movies shot in the small village such as Sogno di una notte di mezza estate and L’Arcidiavolo. These are definitely other reasons to visit Montepulciano and to learn about the great qualities that this little town has to offer.

For decades Montepulciano has been and still is one of the most loved destinations for those who visit Tuscany. Its history and its ancient scenery create a quite magical atmosphere, at times bewitching, a perfect opportunity to go back in time and enjoy spectacular places. A destination not to miss for cinema lovers, that will definitely leave its mark.

Montepulciano has very ancient historical roots. Its origins date back to the times of the ancient Etruscans and legend has it that the town was founded by Lars Porsenna, Chiusi’s Etruscan lucumone.

The first actual date of its birth goes back to a written document dated 715 AD, in which the town is known as Mons Politianus.

In the middle age the village was disputed for long time between Florence and Siena for its strategic position with which it was possible to dominate the neighbouring Valdichiana and Val D'Orcia.

From the fifteenth century onwards, Montepulciano was instead a place of great artistic and cultural participation, house of the great poet Poliziano but also of famous architects Baldassarre Peruzzi and Jacopo Barozzi, among those who have contributed to shape the famous urban features that are still present today.

Montepulciano is located in Tuscany, in the province of Siena, precisely between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia near the border with Umbria. This historic village is easily accessible both by car and by public transport.

By car, from Florence it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by taking the A1 highway towards Rome, exit Valdichiana-Bettolle, and following the road signs to Montepulciano. From Siena, the journey takes about 1 hour along Strada Statale 715.

By public transport, instead, there are several direct and indirect bus lines that leave from both Siena and Florence to reach Montepulciano (in both cases at least 2 hours of travel).

If you want to explore the beauty of Val d'Orcia without worrying about transportation, a great option is a one day trip by bus from Florence including a visit to Montepulciano and nearby Pienza, famous for its pecorino cheese. The tour also includes tastings of local wines, such as Vino Nobile and Brunello, allowing you to discover the authentic flavors of this magnificent land, a day of pure relaxation and culture.