In 1454, in an ancient house in the center, Agnolo Ambrogini was born, one of the greatest poets of the Italian Renaissance. In literature texts he is known as Politian, a name that derives from the Latin name of his birthplace: Mons Politianus was, in fact, the original name of Montepulciano, a settlement on a hilltop founded in late Etruscan times on a hill between the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana. Active in the Middle Ages in the commercial and manufacturing sector, the town was rebuilt with a new urban plan during the 15th and 16th centuries. Visitors today can admire the typical Medieval buildings and the beautiful monuments of the Renaissance period.

You can start with visiting the church of San Biagio at the foot of the hill on which the town rises. Located in the middle of a large grassy field, the church is among the greatest expressions of the 16th century in Tuscany, a masterpiece of Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.

Climbing the hill, you will arrive in the historic center where you can admire places of great historical and artistic interest: the Civic Museum, the palaces of Via Ricci and Via del Corso, and the numerous churches. We can enjoy the view of the surrounding hills and valleys from the Porta delle Farine, the church of San Francesco, and the tower of Palazzo Comunale, in addition to the old neighbourhood of the Poggiolo.

Montepulciano is also renowned for its wine production. After tasting the prized Vino Nobile, you can discover the wine cellars of this splendid medieval town. The famous Cantina Redi is located , in the basement of Palazzo Ricci and the vaults of its cellars remind those of a cathedral dedicated to the wine ! The highlight of our trip is the monumental Piazza Grande, with the cathedral, the civic palaces, and the Well of the Griffons and Lions. At the end of August the piazza hosts the Bravio delle Botti, a tournament among the eight neighborhoods of the town competing in the rolling of heavy wine barrels.

Once in Montepulciano you shouldn't forget to taste some of the local specialties; the traditional cuisine offers pici (a homemade pasta often served with a tasty tomato and garlic sauce), raveggiolo (cheese between two fern leaves), and schiacciata all’olio (a kind of baked pizza-like dough, with olive oil and salt). The Chianine steaks are simply superb and they are a perfect pairing with Vino Nobile Riserva or with Brunello di Montalcino therefore a must for any authentic foody! Among the desserts we should mention the crogetti, in the period of Carnival, and lattaiolo, a kind of crème caramel

You decide how many places to visit and where to go.
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