Here is a presentation of the most beautiful sites in Montepulciano, most located in the medieval historic center, in order of preference. This page completes the
General presentation of Montepulciano
See also at the end of page Tourist map of Montepulciano
Historic centre
The historic centre of Montepulciano is medieval and Renaissance, with suggestive alleys and stairs that wind between beautiful stone buildings often imposing.
There is no shortage of artisan shops and local products, offering charcuterie including that made from wild boar, good wines to be tasted, cheeses.
It still has old walls and doors, including the Porta al Prato at the eastern entrance.
Piazza Grande in Montepulciano
The heart of Montepulciano, the centre of the city’s activity, is the vast Piazza Grande, where you can also have a coffee or a drink.
Its medieval-renaissance allure is marked by the pretty palaces of the Palazzo del Comune, Palazzo del Capitano, and the noble Palazzo Contucci and Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi, as well as the cathedral dating back to the Renaissance.
The 16th-century Palazzo Tarugi is attributed to Antonio da Sangallo and Vignola, famous Italian mannerist architects.
It also shows the charming well of Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni. This Griffon and Lion Well in English is also a work by Antonio da Sangallo from 1520, with two ancient columns, adorned with two lions and the coat of arms of the Medici.
Palazzo Comunale di Montepulciano
The Town Hall, the Palazzo Comunale, is a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance palace dating from 1440, with a Florentine style facade and reminiscent of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence with its fortified tower. You can climb it and discover a nice view of the city and surroundings from the top.
Montepulciano Cathedral
The Montepulciano Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built at the end of the 17th century in the late Renaissance style. The unfinished façade is in exposed brick, and its oldest bell tower dates from the fifteenth century.
The interior preserves beautiful works including the triptych of the Assumption by Taddeo di Bartolo, the funerary monument by Bartolomeo Aragazzi in Carrara marble, the baptismal fountain.
Via Ricci
The Via Ricci is the main artery, crossing the elongated historic center, where most of the shops are located. It passes through beautiful Renaissance and Middle Age palaces, including the Palazzo Neri Orselli which houses the Civic Museum and the Pinacotheca Crociani, or the Palazzo Ricci.
The Palazzo Ricci houses the historical archives and the library which preserves an old background. Its cellars are those of De’ Ricci Cantine Storiche, which can be visited and where the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano can be tasted.
San Biagio Temple
The temple of the Madonna di San Biagio is located almost a kilometre below the centre of Montepulciano, on a pretty green terrace.
This is a beautiful monument emblematic of the Tuscan Renaissance, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder inspired by the basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato created by his brother Giuliano, built from 1518 to 1548.
In the form of a Greek cross, the interior features a superb high altar from the late 16th century and several frescoes, including the “Virgin with the Child”.
Civic Museum and Pinacoteca Crociani
Housed in the 14th-century Palazzo Neri Orselli , the municipal museum has five sections, with the main part of the Pinacoteca exhibiting paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries by masters of the Sienese and Florentine schools. The other sections deal with archaeology (Etruscan and Roman), pottery, or a studiolo with its 16th century furniture, etc.
Pulcinella Tower
Towards the eastern part of the centre, near Porta al Prato in Piazza Michelozzo, you can see the Pulcinella Tower, a pretty clock tower above which is a statue of a Pulcinella typically Neapolitan.
Other Palaces in Montepulciano
Palazzo Cervini
The Palazzo Cervini is one of the most beautiful in Montepulciano, built for cardinal Marcello Cervini with a Renaissance project by Antonio da Sangallo. It is now the headquarters of a bank that usually does not visit.
Palazzo Avignonesi
The Palazzo Avignonesi is another emblematic Renaissance palace, near the Porta al Prato, completed around 1572 and attributed to Vignola. It has beautiful rooms decorated with frescoes, and has been a hotel for some years.
Gates and walls of Montepulciano
Cantina Contucci
In a 16th century palace, the cellars of the Cantina Contucci are among the most interesting in Montepulciano, keeping the Vino Nobile di Montepuciano in huge barrels and can be visited for free.
Medici Fortress
At the top of Montepulciano, there is the Medici fortress, which dates back to the 13th century but has been rebuilt several times, including in the late 19th century.
Churches of Montepulciano
St Augustine’s Church
In Piazza Michelozzo, opposite Polichinelle tower is the beautiful St Augustine’s Church of Montepulciano, built in the 13th century and renovated in the 15th century.
In addition to the beautiful façade, which is preceded by a charming staircase by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, the interior contains works of art, including a Resurrection of Lazarus by Alessandro Allori and a wooden crucifix by Antonio da Sangallo.
Church of the Gesù
Built in the early 18th century, the Jesuit church of Gesù houses three altars with paintings, stucco and statues.
Santa Maria dei Servi
Santa Maria dei Servi dates back to the 14th century and preserves works by Sienese artists, including Ugolino di Nerio or an image of the Virgin Mary from the previous building.
Santa Lucia
The façade of the Church of St. Lucia in Montepulciano shows two styles of 17th century with late Mannerism and Roman Baroque.
Thermal baths and surroundings
Near Montepulciano, in Sant’Albino is a spa with thermal baths dating back to the 16th century, with waters renowned for their healing properties.
Suggestions for tours and tastings
Tourist map of Montepulciano
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Links and sources
- Tourist portals : www.visittuscany.com, www.discovertuscany.com, www.prolocomontepulciano.it
- Informations : en.wikipedia.org
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