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Town: Montepulciano (Siena) - Pop. 13850 - Alt : 605 m asl -
Location: Tuscany
Description: Montepulciano is a stunningly handsome town,
with long main streets and alleys that drop away to the walls, full
of vistas, odd squares and corners and endowed with dozens of
Renaissance palazzi and churches. Sweeping vistas of three valleys
and Lago Trasimeno lay beyond and below the fortified walls.
 Sights and Attractions:
Piazza Grande is the real monumental center of Montepulciano and
hosts the "Palazzo Comunale" a 14th century travertine copy of
Florence's old city hall, with a big tower from which it is possible
to enjoy stunnig views. The rest of the square is surrounded by
several elegant buildings : Palazzo Contucci by Sangallo, Palazzo
Tarugi by Vignola and next the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo.
Of note is the ancient well "Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni" , very
nice renaissance work
The Cathedral of Montepulciano is a stately building by Ippolito
Scalza, (1592-1630), inside, altar by A. della Robbia, a 14th
Century baptismal font and the " Madonna del Pilastro" by Sano di
Pietro. On the high altar there is a triptych by Taddeo di Bartolo
(Assumption, 1401)
Palazzo Neri-Orselli a 14th Century palace hosts the Civic Museum
of Montepulciano, a very large exhibition of Tuscan paintings.
 Palazzo Bucelli, whose facade is embedded with a patchwork of
dozens of Etruscan reliefs
The church of Santa Lucia, preserves a work by Luca Signorelli
Outside the city walls, the church of Sant' Agnese, with a
14th-century portal and a
frescoed Madonna by Simone Martini.
The travertine church of San Biagio, out of the city walls, has a
beautiful dome. It is one of the most significant Renaissance works
and masterpiece of Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.
Nearby: In Sant'Albino, a small village close to
Montepulciano, there are the Thermal Spas of Montepulciano, famous
for its waters and mud-baths whose curative benefits have been
renowned for centuries.
Museums:
Palazzo Neri-Orselli a 14th Century palace hosts the Civic Museum of
Montepulciano, a very large exhibition of Tuscan paintings.
Events: Good Friday procession: Easter Cantine Aperte (open
cellars) wine tasting festival: May Sant'Agnese
Fair traditional open air market:
May 1 Il Bruscello festival, takes place in the middle of August,
holding a spectacle in period costume, with local life stories and
ancient Tuscan songs. More musical shows, theater productions and
exhibitions of figurative art Bravio delle Botti barrel-rolling race competition between the 8
quarters of Montepulciano: last Sunday of August Antique fair
market: 2nd week-end of the month in the historic center of
Montepulciano Maestΰ del Ponte fair, traditional market of
Tuscany hosted near the train station: last week-end of September
Market day: Saturday.
 Typical products:
The city is famous for its Wine, (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano);
Olive oil, salami, handicrafts.
Favorite Restaurants: Restaurant Antico Caffθ Poliziano
Via di Voltaia nel Corso 27/29 Restaurant La Grotta - Loc. San
Biagio 15 Ristorante il Cantuccio - Via delle Cantine, 1
Ristorante Le Logge del Vignola - Via delle Erbe, 6 Ristorante
Diva e Maceo - Via di Gracciano nel Corso, 90/92
Surrounding smaller towns and hamlets: Abbadia, Acquaviva,
Gracciano, Montepulciano Stazione, Valiano, Sant'Albino, Salcheto,
Cervognano, Ascianello, Fonte al Giunco.
Neighboring towns: Castiglione del Lago, Chianciano Terme,
Chiusi,
Cortona,
Pienza, Torrita di Siena.
Nearest airport:
Rome International Airport
(208 km)
Nearest train stations: Chiusi train station (25 km) .
Public transportation:
website
Distances: Assisi 88 km, Chiusi
25 km,
Cittΰ della Pieve
35 km, Cortona 35,
Florence
110 km,
Milan 412 km, Montalcino 38,
Orvieto
68 km,
Perugia 67, Pienza
14 km,
Siena
65 km,
Rome
180 km.
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