VISIT THE MONTEPULCIANO TOWER IN ITALY
Montepulciano is a medieval village famous in Italy for the beauty of its historic center, its proximity to thermal spas, and for the production of excellent products like the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Montepulciano is situated on a hill that the Etruscans once called “Mons Politus,” or “Mountain of the Nobles.” Montepulciano came to be known as the “Pearl of the 1500’s” because it reached its apex under the rule of the powerful Medici Family and for the strong ties it has always enjoyed with Florence.
A walk in Montepulciano can take your breath away given the wealth of beautiful and historical palaces, churches and Renaissance artwork that follow one after the other along the main street, like Palazzo Bucelli characterized by a façade with inscriptions and Etruscan funeral urns, Palazzo Avignonesi and Palazzo Cagnoni attributed to Vignola, Palazzo Cervini and Palazzo Cocconi – Del Pecora realized by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, architect and sculptor (who also created the beautiful Temple of San Biagio), the lovely Church of Sant’Agostino designed by Michelozzo with a Crucifix by Donatello, or the Church of Jesus based on a design by Andrea Pozzo. Along the main street you can also admire the Colonna del Marzocco, a marble column with its regal lion, a symbol of Florence’s authority, or you can wait and watch for the moment when Pulcinella strikes the hour on its enchanting clock tower. From there, you can explore the many lanes, which boast Renaissance arches, as you make your way to the top of the town. The main square, Piazza Grande, is the heart of Montepulciano and here you’ll be transported to the past by the historic monuments that surround you like the Duomo, Palazzo Contucci, Palazzo Tarugi, the Well of Griffins and the Lions, and the Town Hall.
After observing the many Renaissance works that abound in Montepulciano, tastings wine from its cellars dug into volcanic rock, and enjoying the stunning views from the streets along its walls, you might like to climb the town’s tower. You can stop at its terrace or continue even higher, accompanied by a guide who will give you information on this historic and artistic city, while you embrace one of the most spectacular landscapes of Italy: you can see the Val di Chiana with its three lakes on the horizon (Lago di Montepulciano, Chiusi and Trasimeno) as well as the distant mountain ranges of Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Mount Subasio. From the other side of the tower you will see Pienza, Val d’Orcia, the magnificent Mount Amiata, and on clear days even the towers of Siena. It’s really a spectacle not to be missed.
