Montepulciano - is a dignified
and interesting hilltop town (14,300 inhab.) commanding the
southeast part of Tuscany near the Umbrian border.
It is particularly well preserved
and has many handsome 16C palaces, including some by Antonio
da Sangallo il Vecchio who also built the Tempio di San Biagio
here.
The area is noted for its red wines,
the most famous being the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
After changing hands several times
between Siena and Florence, Montepulciano came under permanent
Florentine rule in 1511, and its fortifications, including
the Porta di Gracciano, were rebuilt by Cosimo I. It was the
birthplace of Angelo Ambrogini (1454-94), the great Classical
scholar, who adopted the town's late Latin name Poliziano.
In 1561 it became an episcopal seat
and a town to become one of the privileged centres of the
new Grand Duchy in Tuscany. Montepulciano exhibits impressive
architecture mainly but not only Renaissance: Michelozzo,
Baldassarre Peruzzi and Vignola all worked here, as did Antonio
da Sangallo il Vecchio who designed the temple of San Biagio.
Today Montepulciano is divided between an agricultural town
- with its main product, the DOCG wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- and an important tourist centre.
The rich cultural history of the main town, the untouched
natural environment and the presence of the thermal baths
at S. Albino all attract tourists in equal measure. In the
summer the town hosts the "Cantiere Internazionale d'arte"
and in the mid-August holidays the "Bruscello",
a traditional show spoken in rhyme, is performed on the Cathedral
steps. On last weekend of August a wine barrel race, the "Bravìo",
is run between the different contrade, or districts, of the
town and there is a procession in 13th-century dress.
How to reach Montepulciano: From Siena, take direction
SS2, Buonconvento and follow for San Quirico D'Orcia. From
San Quirico follow for Pienza and for Montepulciano.
Where is Montepulciano: is located in the south/east
of Siena province. See the
map
Nearby: Visit Val d' Orcia, Pienza, San Quirico d'
Orcia, Bagno Vignoni
Distances: Siena 64 Km - Florence 110 Km - Pisa 190
Km - Arezzo 55 Km
Correct name is Montepulciano
Common mistakes are Mountpulciano, Muntepulciano, Montepulcini,
Montepilciano
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Montepulciano
- Siena - Tuscany Italy
Montepulciano 
