Montepulciano

RENAISSANCE VILLAGE AND TIERRA DEL VINO NOBILE

Montepulciano is a Renaissance village deserves a visit for the quantity and rarity of cultural and architectural beauties present; There are numerous Renaissance buildings, churches scattered around, hidden alleys that lead to beautiful squares.

The landscape can be admired from the top of Montepulciano is unique and breathtaking. The view of the visitor gets lost in a 360° panorama of Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana.

Built by famous personalities as Michelozzo, Baldassarre Peruzzi and Vignola, the birthplace of Agnolo Ambrogini Poliziano Montepulciano said (hence the town's medieval name: Mons Politianus).

The historic open entering through the Porta al Prato of the 12th century, followed in the elegant via di Gracciano nel Corso lined with beautiful Renaissance palaces such as Palazzo Avignonesi, Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Bucelli at which following the Chiesa di St. Agostino. On the opposite side of the Street stands the Torre di Pulcinella of 1524.

The village centre it branches starting from piazza Grande, where are located the Noble Palace Tarugi, "Pozzo dei Grifi e Dei Leoni" or "Pozzo di Piazza Grande" and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. The Town Hall of 1400 recalls Palazzo della Signoria in Florence and the Duomo of Montepulciano inside the statue of Bartolomeo Aragazzi by Michelozzo.

To visit is the "Museo Civico Pinacoteca Crociani"" and the "Tempio di San Biagio" just outside the village, a masterpiece by Antonio da Sangallo the elder.

The history of Montepulciano is related to the influence of multiple cities like Arezzo, Florence and Siena. It is then definitely entered in 1511 in the Florentine State and followed the fortunes of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until the unification of Italy; in the 19th century, the reclamation of the Val di Chiana has renewed its importance as the administrative centre of the area.

 

Traditions

Among the traditions, every year on the last Sunday in August, Montepulciano hosts the "Bravìo delle botti", a big challenge of the eight districts of the city. Which already existed in the 14th century as a horse race is one race that sees the contrade push oak barrels through the streets uphill of the city.

 

Typical products

The wine of Montepulciano is the symbol of this city. Is history, tradition and a recognized brand around the world. Is prized for centuries for its organoleptic characteristics and for its balanced flavor. The vines of this "nectar" are Sangiovese and Montepulciano is the largest binder. This is a wine that was awarded as d.o.c.g. and his homeland has all the features for its birth, its growth and development.

The "Vino Nobile di Montepulciano" is ideal for ham and crostini with spleen and livers over tasty meat.