10 Things To Do in Montepulciano, Italy 🇮🇹: Top Attractions on the Tuscan Coast

Are you dreaming of winding Tuscan streets, golden hills, and the kind of wine that makes you close your eyes in delight? Then you’re in the right place! This guide is your personal key to unlocking the very best things to do in Montepulciano—a hilltop town that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history.

🏡 Where to stay in Montepulciano:

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Nobile di San Donato - Historic Experience
• ✨ 5-Star: Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala
• 🏨 4-Star: Delcorto Suites
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Il Rondò Boutique Hotel
• 💸 Cheap: CASALE LE CIVETTE
• 🏢 Apartment: Dimora Del Corso Di Montepulciano
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: La Dimora nel Corso
• 🏩 For Couples: Palazzo Falcinelli Luxury Room

👩🏻 Best guided tours:

• Tasting Tour in One of The Most Beautiful Cellars in the World from € 29 (⭐️ 4.9/5)
• 2 hours - Private Walking Tour in Montepulciano from € 120 (⭐️ 5.0/5)
• Discover Montepulciano! from € 15 (⭐️ 4.7/5)
• Skip the Line: Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour from € 36 (⭐️ 4.8/5)

Best Things To Do in Montepulciano, Tuscany

1. Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio

Architectural marvel. Just outside the walls of Montepulciano sits one of the most breathtaking examples of Renaissance architecture I’ve ever encountered. The Temple of San Biagio, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder between 1518 and 1548, left me speechless with its perfect Greek-cross layout and imposing travertine façade. As I approached along the cypress-lined path, the amber-colored stone seemed to shift and glow in the morning light – a phenomenon I later learned happens throughout the day as the sun moves across the Tuscan sky.

Acoustic wonder. Inside, I discovered something truly magical that most tourists miss. Standing directly on the marble circle beneath the central dome, I clapped my hands and heard the sound echo twenty times! Yet when my friend stood just a step outside this circle, she heard only a single clap. This acoustic trick is just one of the temple’s many architectural secrets. The €3.50 entrance fee (about $3.80) includes an audio guide that explains these fascinating details and the history of the 14th-century Madonna fresco that miraculously survived from the original church.

Panoramic setting. What truly sets this sanctuary apart is its location. Positioned in an open meadow with the rolling Tuscan countryside as its backdrop, it creates the perfect postcard view of Montepulciano.

⭐ Best activities

• San Biagio in Montepulciano Entrance Ticket – The Temple of San Biagio was built by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, illustrious architect from Florence, between 1518 and 1545. Located in the middle of a sprawling meadow outside the town, the church is considered a masterpiece of 16th century Tuscan Renaissance architecture.

2. De’ Ricci Cantine Storiche in Montepulciano

Underground time capsule. Stepping into De’ Ricci’s historic wine cellars was like entering a cathedral dedicated to Vino Nobile. These underground chambers reveal Montepulciano’s winemaking heritage in spectacular fashion. My guide, a passionate local named Luca, led me through what they call the “Wine Cathedral” – a majestic three-naved room with tall pillars and vaulted ceilings filled with enormous Slavonian oak barrels. The stable temperature and humidity here create perfect conditions for aging the renowned Sangiovese-based wines.

Etruscan origins. Following a narrow brick tunnel, we reached the heart of the winery – a cave hand-dug from tuff rock in the 4th century BC during Etruscan times. I was amazed to learn that some of the walls here formed part of Montepulciano’s original defensive structures. The most fascinating discovery was seeing ancient marine fossils embedded in the cellar walls, silent witnesses to the geological history of this wine region. This unexpected archaeological element adds another dimension to what could otherwise be just another wine tasting.

Tasting experience. The tour culminated in a tasting room where I sampled six different wines, including their prized Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Each glass was paired with local products from Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana – pecorino cheese, salumi, and bruschetta drizzled with their own olive oil.

⭐ Best activities

• Tasting Tour in One of The Most Beautiful Cellars in the World – Explore a wine cellar in Montepulciano with this tasting and tour. See rows of large oak barrels full of aging wine and learn about how it is made. Taste 3–6 local wines— Supertuscan, Nobile, and Nobile Riserva—alongside a food tasting or bruschetta with extra-virgin olive oil.

3. Comune di Montepulciano

Tower views. Climbing the civic tower of Palazzo Comunale was perhaps the most rewarding €5 I spent in Montepulciano. This imposing 15th-century town hall dominates Piazza Grande with its Florentine-inspired architecture designed by Michelozzo. After taking the lift and navigating a series of twisting stairs to the top, I was rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. On one side, the patchwork fields of Val d’Orcia stretched toward Monte Amiata; on the other, I could see all the way to Lake Trasimeno in Umbria. The tower’s design deliberately mimics Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio – a not-so-subtle reminder of Medici influence in this once-independent town.

Architectural details. What fascinated me most about the building was how it blends Florentine Renaissance elements with Sienese Gothic features – a physical manifestation of Montepulciano’s historical position between these two powerful city-states. The severe travertine façade gives way to an elegant inner courtyard, and the building is crowned with distinctive Guelph battlements. I noticed many visitors rush through without appreciating these architectural details, missing the story they tell about the town’s complex political history.

Twilight connection. Film buffs might recognize the Palazzo and surrounding Piazza Grande as filming locations for the Twilight saga’s “New Moon.” The square stood in for Volterra in several key scenes, bringing unexpected fame to Montepulciano. The tower is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM from April through November, with special holiday openings around Christmas.

⭐ Best activities

• 2 hours - Private Walking Tour in Montepulciano – Explore the beautiful medieval town of Montepulciano on this leisurely private walking tour. Enjoy the undivided attention of your private guide as you wander around the charming Piazza Grande and climb the tower of the Palazzo Comunale, taking in views of the surrounding countryside. Stop to enjoy a closer look at attractions and snap photos of the sights that interest you most.

4. Piazza Grande

Heart of Montepulciano. Standing in the middle of Piazza Grande, I felt like I’d stepped onto a Renaissance film set – except everything around me was authentically 500 years old. This relatively small but perfectly proportioned square sits at the highest point of Montepulciano and has been the center of civic life for centuries. The 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta dominates one side with its unfinished brick façade, while noble palaces frame the remaining edges. What struck me most was how the square changes character throughout the day – bustling with tour groups in mid-morning, peacefully empty during the Italian lunch hour, then coming alive again as locals emerge for their evening passeggiata.

Historical treasures. My favorite feature in the piazza is the charming Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni (Well of the Griffins and Lions), a 16th-century fountain designed by Antonio da Sangallo. This ornate well features two Etruscan columns and is decorated with lions holding the Medici coat of arms – a subtle reminder of Florence’s historical influence. I spent a pleasant hour simply circling the square, admiring the different architectural styles: the Renaissance elegance of Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi, the Gothic-Renaissance fusion of Palazzo Comunale, and the severe brick façade of the Cathedral. Each building tells part of Montepulciano’s complex political history.

⭐ Best tours

• Discover Montepulciano! – Make the most of your time in Montepulciano with this walking tour that takes in the highlights of the medieval hill town in just hours. Skip the dry guidebook and visit with a guide who can make the Tuscan town’s history to life as you stroll the picturesque lanes and climb to the top of the bell tower (own expense) to admire the views. End with a glass of local wine to cap off your visit.
• Montepulciano: Wine Tasting & Lunch in a typical winery – Combine a sommelier-led wine tasting with a traditional Tuscan lunch during this gourmet Montepulciano excursion. Sample four local wines paired with regional products from within an authentic, centuries-old underground wine cellar. Then, sit down to a two-course Italian meal of cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh pasta, with vegetarian options available.

Things To Do in Montepulciano with Kids

1. San Francesco Art Gallery

Interactive art discovery. When I visited Montepulciano with my niece and nephew (ages 8 and 10), the Church of San Francesco turned out to be surprisingly engaging. This 14th-century church-turned-gallery sits just off Via di Gracciano nel Corso. What makes it special for families is the “Art Detective” cards available at the entrance that turn art viewing into a treasure hunt. My nephew spotted hidden animals in the religious paintings, while my niece became fascinated with identifying different saints by their symbols.

Terracotta treasures. The highlight for the kids was the collection of colorful Della Robbia terracotta works. These glazed ceramic pieces feature vibrant blues, yellows, and greens that immediately caught their attention. I watched as they stood mesmerized before the Madonna and Child centerpiece, pointing out details in the fruit-and-flower garland. The gallery attendant showed them how to identify authentic Della Robbia works by their distinctive white figures against blue backgrounds.

2. Museo Civico Pinacoteca Crociani

Treasure hunt atmosphere. The Civic Museum of Montepulciano turned out to be surprisingly kid-friendly despite its formal-sounding name. Located in Palazzo Neri Orselli near Piazza Grande, this museum provides a free “Young Explorer’s Guide” in English that transformed our visit into an engaging scavenger hunt. My daughter was tasked with finding paintings containing specific animals, while my son searched for weapons and armor throughout the exhibition rooms. The staff clearly understands that children engage with museums differently than adults.

Hands-on history. What truly set this museum apart was the interactive section on the ground floor. Here, children can handle replicas of Etruscan artifacts, try on miniature versions of medieval armor pieces, and experiment with different art materials. My kids spent nearly 30 minutes at the “Create Your Own Coat of Arms” station, designing family shields based on examples they’d seen. The curator explained that this hands-on approach helps children connect with Montepulciano’s rich history in a way that simply viewing objects behind glass cannot achieve.

Free Things To Do in Montepulciano, Italy

1. Walking the Streets of the City

Il Corso exploration. My favorite cost-free activity in Montepulciano is simply wandering the main street that locals call Il Corso. This winding road changes names several times as it snakes through town – starting as Via di Gracciano near Porta al Prato, then becoming Via di Voltaia, Via dell’Opio, and finally Via del Poliziano. During my morning stroll last spring, I discovered charming corners and breathtaking viewpoints that no guided tour had mentioned. The uphill climb from Porta al Prato to Piazza Grande offers a perfect opportunity to peek into boutique shops and admire Renaissance-era buildings without spending a cent.

Hidden side streets. What truly captivated me were the narrow alleyways branching off from Il Corso. Each one seemed to reveal a new surprise – a tiny café with locals chatting over espresso, artisan workshops where craftspeople still practice traditional methods, or sudden panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. I stumbled upon a small courtyard where an elderly gentleman was hand-carving wooden trinkets.

Finding Pulcinella. One of my unexpected delights was spotting Pulcinella, a character from Italian comedic theatre who rings the bell at Sant’Agostino Church. I timed my visit to see this quirky figure strike the hour, which happens automatically throughout the day. Standing on the church steps and craning my neck upward, I joined a small group of visitors who had gathered to watch this charming tradition.

2. Punto Panoramico

Breathtaking vistas. The Punto Panoramico Val d’Orcia viewpoint offers what I consider the most spectacular free attraction in the Montepulciano area. Located just outside the town center, this vantage point showcases the iconic Tuscan landscape that has graced countless postcards and films. When I visited last April, the rolling hills were carpeted in vibrant green, dotted with cypress trees standing like sentinels against the horizon. I spent nearly an hour here, watching how the changing light transformed the landscape minute by minute. The view stretches all the way to Monte Amiata on clear days, creating a panorama that no photograph can truly capture.

Perfect timing. I’ve visited this viewpoint at different times of day, and I can confidently say that sunrise and sunset offer the most magical experiences. One evening, I arrived about 30 minutes before sunset with a small picnic of local bread and cheese. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the entire valley was bathed in golden light, creating what photographers call “the golden hour.” The hills cast long shadows, and the stone farmhouses seemed to glow from within.

Seasonal changes. What makes Punto Panoramico worth multiple visits is how dramatically it changes with the seasons. During my spring visit, wildflowers dotted the foreground, adding splashes of color to the scene. Friends who visited in summer told me about the golden wheat fields creating waves of amber across the landscape. And photos I’ve seen from autumn show a tapestry of russet, gold, and deep green.

Seasonal Activities

Christmas

Magical atmosphere. Montepulciano transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, with the medieval streets adorned in twinkling lights and festive decorations. I’ll never forget turning the corner onto Piazza Grande to find it completely transformed by the Mercatino di Natale (Christmas Market). Wooden chalets selling artisan crafts, local delicacies, and unique gifts line the square from mid-November through early January. The scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and fresh pine creates a sensory experience that immediately put me in the holiday spirit.

Santa’s Castle. The absolute highlight for families is Castello di Babbo Natale (Santa’s Castle) set up in the historic Fortress of Montepulciano. My niece was spellbound as we wandered through themed rooms where elves were “busy” making toys, baking cookies, and sorting letters. The €5 entrance fee (children under 5 free) includes a small gift and a photo opportunity with Santa himself. What impressed me most was the attention to detail – even the most skeptical adults in our group found themselves smiling at the charming displays. The castle operates daily from November 16 to January 6, with extended hours on weekends.

Winter wine experiences. Christmas season offers unique wine tasting opportunities that aren’t available other times of year. Several historic cellars along Via di Gracciano nel Corso offer special “Christmas in the Cellar” tastings featuring Vino Nobile paired with seasonal treats like panforte and ricciarelli cookies. I particularly enjoyed the candlelit tasting at Contucci winery, where the centuries-old cellar was decorated with subtle holiday touches, and they served their wine alongside traditional Christmas pastries.

Summer

Festival season. Summer in Montepulciano pulses with cultural events, with July and August being the peak months for festivals. The Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte (International Art Workshop) runs from mid-July to early August, filling the town with classical music concerts, dance performances, and theatrical productions. I stumbled upon an impromptu string quartet performance in the courtyard of Palazzo Ricci one evening – the music echoing off the ancient stones created an unforgettable acoustic experience. Most outdoor performances are free, while ticketed events in the Teatro Poliziano range from €10-25 depending on the performance.

Bravio delle Botti. The highlight of Montepulciano’s summer calendar is undoubtedly the Bravio delle Botti, held on the last Sunday of August. This traditional barrel race sees teams from the town’s eight contrade push 80kg wine barrels up the steep streets to the finish line in Piazza Grande. I arrived three days before the race to witness the flag-throwing competitions, medieval costume parades, and food festivals that lead up to the main event. The atmosphere was electric – locals proudly wearing their contrada colors, traditional drummers performing in the streets, and food stalls serving regional specialties.

Evening passeggiata. Summer evenings in Montepulciano offer a distinctly local experience through the traditional passeggiata. As temperatures cool after 7 PM, both locals and visitors emerge to walk along Il Corso, stopping to chat, window shop, and enjoy gelato. I joined this nightly ritual, savoring a cone of pistachio gelato from Gelateria de’ Coltelli while watching the sky turn pink over the distant hills. The passeggiata typically peaks around 9 PM, when the main street buzzes with conversation and laughter.

Spring

Wildflower landscapes. Spring transforms the countryside around Montepulciano into a painter’s palette of colors. From mid-April through May, the rolling hills burst with red poppies, purple wisteria, and yellow broom flowers. I rented a bicycle from Montepulciano Bike Shop (€25 for a full day) and followed the gentle route toward Pienza. The combination of blooming wildflowers, vibrant green wheat fields, and the distinctive cypress-lined roads created postcard-perfect views at every turn. The spring temperatures – typically 15-22°C (59-72°F) – provide ideal conditions for outdoor exploration without the summer heat.

Wine festivals. Spring marks the beginning of wine festival season in Montepulciano. The Anteprima del Vino Nobile, held in mid-April, offers the first taste of newly released Vino Nobile vintages. For €20, I received a tasting glass and access to sample wines from over 40 producers set up in the historic Fortezza. What made this experience special was the opportunity to chat directly with winemakers about their techniques and philosophies – something that becomes more difficult during the crowded summer events. The festival also features food pairings with local specialties like pecorino cheese from nearby Pienza and wild boar salami.

Easter traditions. Witnessing Easter celebrations in Montepulciano provided one of my most authentic cultural experiences. The Holy Week processions, particularly the Good Friday Via Crucis, wind through the torch-lit streets with participants in period costumes recreating biblical scenes. On Easter Sunday, the Piazza Grande hosts a special mass followed by the “Scoppio del Carro” – a tradition where a small decorated cart filled with fireworks is ignited as a symbol of good fortune. The combination of religious significance, historical pageantry, and community participation creates a deeply moving experience, even for non-religious visitors.

Autumn

Harvest experiences. Autumn in Montepulciano revolves around the grape harvest, or vendemmia, which typically runs from mid-September through early October. Several wineries offer visitors the chance to participate in grape picking followed by a traditional harvest lunch. I joined the team at Avignonesi winery for their half-day harvest experience, which included working alongside locals in the vineyard, learning traditional harvesting techniques, and enjoying a multi-course lunch paired with their wines. The physical connection to the land and the centuries-old traditions gave me a deeper appreciation for every glass of Vino Nobile I’ve enjoyed since.

Truffle hunting. Fall brings another gastronomic treasure to the Montepulciano area – truffles. I booked a truffle hunting excursion with Tuscan Truffle Academy that took me into the oak forests near San Casciano dei Bagni with a professional truffle hunter and his trained dog. Watching the dog excitedly dig up aromatic black truffles was fascinating, but the highlight was the post-hunt lunch where we enjoyed fresh pasta topped with our morning finds. The earthy aroma of freshly shaved truffles combined with the autumn colors of the surrounding forest created a sensory experience I still dream about. These tours run from October through December, with peak season in November.

Olive harvest. Late autumn (November) brings the olive harvest, a less touristy but equally fascinating agricultural tradition. Several family-run farms around Montepulciano offer olive oil experiences where visitors can help collect olives and observe the pressing process. At Podere Il Casale, I spent a morning helping gather olives using traditional hand rakes, followed by a visit to the local frantoio (olive mill) to watch the olives being pressed into vibrant green oil. The tasting that followed – fresh oil drizzled over toasted bread with a sprinkle of salt – was a revelation in simplicity and flavor.

Day Trips from Montepulciano

1. Siena

Medieval masterpiece. Just an hour’s drive from Montepulciano, Siena captivated me with its perfectly preserved medieval center. The heart of the city is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice each summer. I spent a blissful morning sipping coffee at one of the cafés lining the square, watching locals and tourists mingle on the distinctive red-brick pavement. The imposing Torre del Mangia offers breathtaking views for those willing to climb its 400 steps – well worth the €10 entrance fee and slight breathlessness at the top.

Artistic treasures. Siena’s Duomo left me speechless with its striking black and white marble stripes and intricate mosaic floor. Unlike many Italian cathedrals that feel similar after you’ve seen a few, this one stands out for its unique character and artistic details. I recommend purchasing the Opa Si Pass which includes access to the cathedral, library, baptistery, crypt, and museum. The Piccolomini Library inside the cathedral houses stunning frescoes by Pinturicchio depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II – their vibrant colors look as fresh as if they were painted yesterday rather than over 500 years ago.

Authentic neighborhoods. Wandering through Siena’s 17 historic contrade (districts), each with its own animal or symbol, flag, and fierce local pride, gave me insight into the city’s unique social structure. In the Oca district, I stumbled upon a small neighborhood museum displaying Palio memorabilia and photos of past victories. The elderly caretaker, despite speaking no English, enthusiastically showed me their prized banners and shared stories through animated gestures.

⭐ Best tours

• Skip the Line: Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour – Indulge in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Siena, during this sightseeing tour. An expert guide gives you an insider’s view of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Linger for a while in Piazza del Campo, the superlative square that is home to the Palio, a wild horse race that takes place every July and August. Stroll the streets with your guide learning about the history of the place. Visit the Duomo, Siena’s stunning cathedral, and stroll right in thanks to your skip-the-line ticket.
• Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena – Learn to cook traditional Italian dishes during this Tuscan cooking class in Siena. From homemade pastas to juicy cuts of meat, a professional chef leads you through a combination of family-favorite recipes and time-tested dishes, culminating with a shared meal and excellent wine. This class is held in a professional kitchen and limited to a small group of 15 people or fewer for a more intimate experience.

2. Pienza

Renaissance perfection. Just 15 kilometers from Montepulciano lies Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage gem that I found utterly charming. This tiny town was transformed in the 15th century by Pope Pius II, who hired architect Bernardo Rossellino to create the ideal Renaissance city. Walking through the perfectly proportioned Piazza Pio II feels like stepping into an architectural textbook – the harmonious balance between the cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini, and surrounding buildings creates a sense of perfect symmetry. I visited on a quiet Tuesday morning in April and practically had the place to myself, allowing me to appreciate the thoughtful urban planning without crowds.

Cheese paradise. Pienza is renowned for its pecorino cheese, and the moment I stepped onto Via Dogali, my nose confirmed this reputation. This street is lined with cheese shops offering samples of pecorino aged in various ways – with hay, walnut leaves, grape must, or truffles. At Marusco e Maria, I tasted six different varieties paired with local honey and jams for just €5. The shop owner explained how the sheep graze on the unique herbs of the Val d’Orcia, giving the cheese its distinctive flavor.

Panoramic views. The true highlight of Pienza for me was the breathtaking panorama from the walkway along the southern edge of town. Leaning against the ancient wall, I gazed out over the Val d’Orcia’s undulating hills, cypress-lined roads, and isolated farmhouses – exactly the landscape that has made Tuscany famous worldwide. The view changes dramatically with the seasons: vibrant green in spring, golden wheat in summer, and misty silhouettes in autumn.

⭐ Best activities

• Private Guided Tour of Pienza on Foot – Born from a “dream of love and an idea of beauty”, Pienza, the ideal city of the Italian Renaissance, is still today an intact testimony of an illustrious architectural project, commissioned by Pope Pius II Piccolomini and made concrete by the great Florentine architect Bernardo Rossellino.

3. Montalcino

Brunello heaven. Perched on a hill about 40 kilometers from Montepulciano, Montalcino is a wine lover’s paradise famous for producing Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. The imposing 14th-century fortress dominates the town and houses an excellent enoteca where I sampled several vintages without committing to a full bottle. For €25, I enjoyed a flight of three different Brunellos with expert commentary from the sommelier who explained how the sangiovese grapes develop different characteristics depending on which slope of the hill they’re grown on.

Medieval atmosphere. Montalcino’s narrow, winding streets maintain their authentic medieval character, with stone buildings housing artisan workshops, wine shops, and small restaurants. I spent a delightful afternoon simply wandering without a specific destination, discovering hidden courtyards and tiny piazzas. At the Church of Sant’Agostino, I stumbled upon a local artist painting a watercolor of the bell tower. He explained that Montalcino’s isolated position helped it preserve its historic architecture, as it wasn’t subjected to the same modernization as more accessible towns.

Gastronomic delights. Beyond wine, Montalcino offers exceptional culinary experiences featuring local specialties. At Osteria di Porta al Cassero, I savored pinci pasta (thick, hand-rolled spaghetti) with wild boar ragù, paired perfectly with a glass of Rosso di Montalcino (the younger sibling of Brunello). The restaurant’s terrace overlooks the valley, adding a visual feast to the culinary one. Later, I discovered a tiny shop selling honey infused with local herbs and saffron produced in nearby fields.

⭐ Best tours

• Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle – Sample Italy’s flagship Brunello di Montalcino wine in the hills where it’s produced with this exclusive winery tour and tasting at a medieval castle. Join a sommelier for a stroll through the vineyards to learn about the history and production of Brunello at this family-run estate, then relax over a tasting that pairs three different wines with local specialties. Cap off your experience with a three-course Tuscan lunch.
• Olive Oil Tours and Tasting at Frantoio di Montalcino – Delve into the fascinating world of olive oil with a guided tour at Frantoio di Montalcino in Chianti. Get your taste buds ready as you learn about traditional pressing methods and the origins of olive oil in a countryside setting. After your tour, sit down for a delicious tasting session, where you’ll sample the finest extra virgin olive oils served alongside warm Italian bread.

❓ FAQ about Exploring Montepulciano

How do I get to Montepulciano?

You can take a direct bus to Montepulciano from Florence or Siena. If you’re coming from Rome, the best way to visit is by train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then a short bus or taxi ride to the hilltop town of Montepulciano. Parking is available outside the city walls if you’re driving.

What is Montepulciano known for?

Montepulciano is one of the quintessential Tuscan towns, famous for its red wine—especially Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano. The town is also known for its Renaissance architecture, underground wine cellars, and stunning views over southern Tuscany.

What are the top things to see in Montepulciano?

Some of the best things to see in Montepulciano include the main square of Montepulciano (Piazza Grande), climbing to the top of the Palazzo Comunale tower, visiting churches in Montepulciano like San Biagio, exploring the city walls, and discovering the winding streets of Montepulciano. Don’t miss a visit to the underground wine cellar at Contucci or De’ Ricci.

Is Montepulciano worth visiting if I’ve been to Florence?

Absolutely! While Montepulciano shares some Renaissance charm with Florence, it’s a much smaller town in Tuscany with a more relaxed pace. The hilltop town of Montepulciano offers a different experience in Italy, with fewer crowds and a focus on wine and local food.

What are the best day trips from Montepulciano?

Nearby towns like Pienza (another hilltop town), Montalcino, and Siena are all easy to reach from Montepulciano. Each offers unique attractions in Tuscany, from cheese tasting in Pienza to climbing the city walls in Siena.

When is the best time to visit Montepulciano?

The best time to visit Montepulciano is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and busy, but it’s also when Montepulciano hosts lively festivals.

Can I visit an underground wine cellar in Montepulciano?

Yes! Visiting an underground wine cellar is one of the top things to do in Montepulciano. Many cellars, like Cantina Ercolani and De’ Ricci, offer tours and tastings of di Montepulciano wines, including the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

What food should I try in Montepulciano?

Some of the best food includes pici pasta, pecorino cheese from nearby Pienza, and local cured meats. Restaurants in Montepulciano often pair these with local wines for the full Tuscan experience.

Are there any churches in Montepulciano worth seeing?

Definitely! The Temple of San Biagio, just outside the city walls, is a Renaissance masterpiece. The Duomo in the center of Montepulciano and Sant’Agostino church are also worth a visit for their art and history.

What are some tips for visiting Montepulciano?

Wear comfortable shoes for the steep streets of Montepulciano. Start your day early to climb to the top of the tower before crowds arrive. If you want to visit the Fortezza Medicea or take a tour of Montepulciano’s wine cellars, check opening times in advance. For the best of Montepulciano, explore both inside and outside of Montepulciano’s city walls.