A tourist journey to visit the village with its main points of interest.
The village of Montepulciano rises amongst olive trees and vineyards. It is perched on a hill, from where it is possible to see the charm of the Tuscan hills. Between its cobbled and uphill streets, time seems to have stopped at 1500 b.C.. Made famous by the international success of the wine that is produced on its territory, this “Senese” village fascinates tourists from all over the world who arrive in Val d'Orcia every year. attracted by the promise of a relaxing holiday full of glimpses and flavors.
Historical center of Montepulciano
Montepulciano is an uphill village. Its main road starts from the lower part of the city to go up, branching off between alleys and narrow streets. Before admiring the historical center, surrounded by ancient walls, you can visit some important monuments and buildings such as the Church of Sant'Agnese, the Civic Museum Pinacoteca Crociani, the Medici Fortress of Sangallo and the fourteenth-century Porta di Gracciano renovated in 1500a.C.. Palazzo Avignonesi del Vignola and Palazzo Bucelli stand out amongst the splendid Renaissance palaces.
Entering the historical center you arrive at the most important square of the village: Piazza Grande is the highest point in Montepulciano which owes its extraordinary beauty to the artistic work of Michelozzo. Many important buildings overlook the square, including the fourteenth-century town hall, commissioned by Cosimo I dei Medici, which takes the same shape as the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence.
Outside the walls of the village, a building that deserves to be seen is the Church of San Biagio: a fascinating place that stands in the countryside and represents one of the best examples of Renaissance art in Italy.
Visit to the thermal baths of Montepulciano
Relaxation in these parts also includes the sulphurous salsobromoiodic waters rich in carbon dioxide of which this corner of Tuscany is rich. Known for centuries, they are exploited in the Terme di Montepulciano which offer numerous wellness programs including massages, baths in the Lunar cave and perfumed essences.
Active and outdoor experiences around Montepulciano
Walks, bicycle excursions, trekking: starting from Montepulciano you can explore the most authentic Tuscany. A true paradise for outdoor holidays, between paths and naturalistic oases. Just outside the walls of the historical center, Montepulciano Lake is the right destination: the basin is at the center of a protected natural park where it is possible to do many activities, from ecological boat trips to bird watching, as well as mountain biking.
The Christmas markets: a tradition of the Tuscan village
During the Christmas period, the Fortress is transformed into the “Santa Claus Castle”. The decorations and furnishings undergo a significant restyling that amazes visitors. A few meters from the castle walls, inside the characteristic streets between the Medici Fortress and Piazza Grande, the characteristic Christmas markets are set up with wooden houses and themed decorations.
Great attention in the markets of Montepulciano is reserved for the originality of the products sold, with the involvement of the associations of artisans and the presence of diversified categories of products: Christmas decorations, food products, sweets, clothing and leather goods, local crafts and much more. The market, thanks to the vast pedestrian area available, is also the ideal place for shows and entertainment activities suitable for the whole family.
Fattoria del Cerro: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The winemaking tradition of Montepulciano dates back to the Etruscan era. During the Middle Ages, the production of excellent wines was constant and - starting from the mid-fourteenth century - the city began to regulate its trade and export. Since 1980, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG has been protected by a consortium that brings together almost all the wineries. Nobile is produced only with Prugnolo Gentile on the hills within the municipal boundaries of Montepulciano, it is one of the most popular wine in the world.
Fattoria del Cerro, with its 93 hectares of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano vineyards recorded in the register, is the largest private estate producing Vino Nobile.
The spaciousness and the different exposition of the vineyards allow selecting the best grapes to make high quality wines.
A tour in the cellar with a guided tasting of the Vino Nobile Montepulciano DOCG produced on the estate or an e-bike ride through the vineyards are perfect to complete a tourist journey in Montepulciano.
Relais Villa Grazianella, close to Fattoria del Cerro, guarantees its guests an unforgettable experience, among sunny fields, vineyards and majestic Turkey oaks. Villa Grazianella display 11 rooms with 2 junior suites. All the rooms have a beautiful view on the Estate, the Relais is a place where you can spend your stay in complete relaxation in harmony with the surrounding nature and be able to taste the flavors of Tuscan cuisine. Our chef takes care not only for the preparation of the dishes, but also researching on the territory the best ingredients to prepare a “zero km menu”.
