Home to a renowned music festival, the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte. In summer, the famous Palio called "Bravio delle Botti" takes place ... #tuttitaly
We stopped to spend the night in Montepulciano due to its strategic position between Val di Chiana and Val d'Orcia, to be able, on the weekend, to visit various villages in the area. A place that enjoys history, art, nature, wine, and cellars, you couldn't just sleep. So both in the morning and evening, we still managed to visit this wonderful village immersed in the green of the Tuscan hills.
History
Montepulciano is located 605 m above sea level and boasts Etruscan origins. The medieval village still present today, however, belongs to the fourteenth century.
Most of its monuments date back to a period ranging from 1300 to 1500: they are works by influential artists and architects in Gothic and Renaissance styles.
In 1511, the town became part of the Medici Lordship, and it was then that it reached its maximum splendor.
Poliziano coffee
The first morning in Montepulciano, we could not help but enjoy our breakfast in a place where we could admire the scenery of the Val di Chiana and its lakes.
Located in the center of Montepulciano, this characteristic belle epoque-style bar, all furnished in wood, gives you the feeling of being back in time. The location is suggestive, the breakfast delicious, and it seems Pirandello also passed through these rooms.
What to see
In the evening, I visited the village and discovered its beauty with Kevin. We then found the beautiful gardens of the Medici Fortress, which stand out under the dominion of the imposing castle. There is also an area dedicated to children here, which allowed my son to have some leisure time before bedtime 😉
It is charming to walk the streets of this town, full of curious tourists in the dark and in the light. In Piazza Michelozzo, we find something special: a Tower with an iron and wood Pulcinella on top that marks the hours.
I must admit, however, that once I arrived in the famous Piazza Grande, I was amazed by the charm of the civil and religious structures that overlook it.
Besides the Renaissance Pozzo de 'Grifi e dei Leoni, we can admire the Palazzo del Capitano and the gothic Palazzo Comunale on which the Clock Tower stands out.
I was very impressed by the unfinished facade of the seventeenth-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which, in my opinion, gives a particular touch to the entire square.
However, let's not forget that Montepulciano is famous for producing wines. The noble wine of Montepulciano DOCG is made here.
We were lucky enough to receive a bottle as a gift from the owner of the beautiful house that hosted us. And it was much appreciated 😊
If you decide to go to Montepulciano on the last Sunday of August, know that on that occasion, the Bravìo delle Botti is the challenge between the eight districts of Montepulciano, in honor of the patron saint Giovanni Battista. And this event is repeated every year.
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