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• FROM MONTEPULCIANO TO MONTALCINO
This particular area of Tuscany is famous for its numerous cities of art, for the production of red wine (Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano) and for the beauty of the countryside. We suggest visits to Pienza, situated just 10 kilometres from Montepulciano, to Monticchiello, to Bagno Vignoni famous for its unique urban layout, where in fact in the very centre of town is a sulphur bath. Another interesting town is San Quirico d’Orcia where it’s possibile to visit the Italian gardens. Not far away is Montalcino, famous the world over for the production of “brunello”, an excellent red wine, while just 10 kilometres further on is the splendid Monastery of Sant’Antimo where every day visitors can participate in the mass, which is celebrated with Gregorian chants. Another magnificent monastery well worth visiting is the one in Monteoliveto Maggiore.
• UMBRIA
Just 25 kilometres away from Villa Poggiano Tuscany borders with Umbria, another splendid region located in the very heart of Italy. From Montepulciano follow directions for Cortona, a city of art well worth a visit, after which the road skirts Lago Trasimeno as far as Perugia, Umbria’s main town, famous for the production of chocolate and cashmere. In an area of just a few square kilometres it’s possible to visit the towns of Assisi, Deruta, Todi, Spello, Spoleto and Orvieto.
• SIENA
Impossible not to visit Siena, which is also famous for the Palio, held every year on 2 July and 16 August. Siena is 60 kilometres away from Montepulciano and visitors should reserve at least a whole day for visiting the Museums (Municipal Museum, Museo delle papesse, Santa Maria della Scala, the Pinacoteca etc), the churches (the Cathedral, San Domenico, San Francesco etc), the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia.
• CHIANTI
The Chianti region extends over an area between Siena and Florence and is famous for its magnificent countryside, its wines and its Medieval towns. We also suggest visits to Monteriggioni, a Medieval town where a historical pageant is held every year in the month of July; to San Gimignano, known as the city of towers; and to Gaiole, Greve and Radda.
• AREZZO
Situated 50 kilometres from Montepulciano, Arezzo, an important town of Etruscan origin, is characterised by a blend of Medieval and Renaissance styles. Well worth seeing are the Piero della Francesca frescoes, the Cathedral and the historical centre. Moreover the first weekend of every month the streets of the town are lined with the stalls of one of Italy’s most important antique fairs.
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Montepulciano, one of the jewels of the Italian Renaissance, is appropriately known as the “Pearl of the 16th century”. Great masters and architects of those times such as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder contributed to the grandeur and opulence still clearly visible in the old town centre.
Well worth seeing are the splendid San Biagio church, the main square “Piazza Grande”, the Cathedral, the Redi wine estate and the magnificent Renaissance palazzos and churches dotted around the town. Montepulciano is also famous on a national level for important cultural events such as the “Cantiere dell’Arte”, a succession of plays and classical music concerts that is held every year at the end of July and beginning of August. Other renowned events are the “Bravio delle Botti” a traditional festival held on the last Sunday of August and the “Bruscello”. Montepulciano is also famous for its spa.
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