Things to do in Montepulciano

Things to do in  Montepulciano

Calling all wine lovers

Montepulciano is the highest of Tuscany’s postcard-perfect medieval hill towns, offering bird’s-eye vistas over the surrounding Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. Wine lovers travel here to sample Vino Nobile produced in the area’s world-class cellars and winery tours and tastings top the to-do list. Montepulciano’s intact medieval old town is also a star attraction, peppered with highlights like the historic town hall, a terracotta altar by Andrea della Robbia in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the Madonna di San Biagio sanctuary just outside of town.

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Top 1 attractions in Montepulciano

#1

Temple of San Biagio (Tempio di San Biagio)

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This glorious Renaissance church is set below the hill town of Montepulciano, and its soaring dome and pyramid-topped bell tower turn heads from miles away. Designed in the 16th century by Antonio da Sangallo (Sangallo il Vecchio), the Temple of San Biagio (Tempio di San Biagio) has an elegant travertine exterior and airy pastel interior.More
Tours & Tickets

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Top activities in Montepulciano

Tasting Tour in One of The Most Beautiful Cellars in the World

Tasting Tour in One of The Most Beautiful Cellars in the World

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$30.59
Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Montepulciano
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Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Montepulciano

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$195.59
Wine Tour Ebike Experience

Wine Tour Ebike Experience

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$173.73
Discover Montepulciano!

Discover Montepulciano!

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$54.63
Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Montepulciano
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Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Montepulciano

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$120.19
Cooking Class and Tuscan tradition in Montepulciano

Cooking Class and Tuscan tradition in Montepulciano

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$119.10
Winery Tasting Tour in Montepulciano: only for Wine Lovers:

Winery Tasting Tour in Montepulciano: only for Wine Lovers:

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$326.70
Chianina cattle Tour

Chianina cattle Tour

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$119.10
Luck and Patience: truffle hunting in Tuscany

Luck and Patience: truffle hunting in Tuscany

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$217.44
Menu with a “View” in the enchantment of the Tuscan hills

Menu with a “View” in the enchantment of the Tuscan hills

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$92.88
Tuscan ExtraVirgin Olive Oil Tour

Tuscan ExtraVirgin Olive Oil Tour

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$140.95
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Tour - Meet the producers

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Tour - Meet the producers

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$191.21
Tour of the historical cellars in Montepulciano

Tour of the historical cellars in Montepulciano

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$64.47
Wine Tasting with light lunch in Montepulciano

Wine Tasting with light lunch in Montepulciano

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$71.02
Pecorino Cheese di Pienza Tour

Pecorino Cheese di Pienza Tour

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$71.02
Cesarine: Private Pasta & Tiramisu in Montepulciano Local's Home
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Cesarine: Private Pasta & Tiramisu in Montepulciano Local's Home

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$195.59
Visit to the Cinta Senese farm in Montepulciano

Visit to the Cinta Senese farm in Montepulciano

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$49.17
Twilight Saga: the New Moon tour in Montepulciano

Twilight Saga: the New Moon tour in Montepulciano

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$130.03
Horseback Riding Tour with Tuscan Picnic in Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana

Horseback Riding Tour with Tuscan Picnic in Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana

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$180.29
Enjoy a meal with wine tasting in the vineyard of Podere Casanova

Enjoy a meal with wine tasting in the vineyard of Podere Casanova

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$108.17
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All about Montepulciano

When to visit

If you drive to Montepulciano, you’ll have to leave your car in paid parking lots around the town, as only residents are allowed to drive within the walls. If you want to arrive by train from a major city, take a fast train to Chiusi and then a bus to the town. Once there, use the pedestrian shortcuts (an elevator and stairs) to the historic center, and then explore the hilly streets on foot.

Getting around

In the off-peak months of November through March, most Montepulciano restaurants and tourist amenities are closed. Around Easter they reopen, and the village stays lively with visitors through the end of summer. If you want to avoid the throngs of day-trippers and stifling heat, consider the shoulder months of May, June, and September.

Traveler tips

At the end of August, the annual Bravio delle Botti—a historic barrel racing event—is held in Montepulciano. Crowds gather to watch burly local men compete by rolling huge wooden wine barrels up the steep old town streets. The race takes place amid other colorful events including medieval costume parades, flag waving, and decorated streets.

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People Also Ask

What is Montepulciano, Italy known for?

The Tuscan hill town of Montepulciano is best known for wine and stunning architecture. Vino lovers will surely recognize the town’s name from bottles of rich reds, while history buffs will be aware of its haul of medieval structures, including mighty city walls and sweeping squares lined with historic palazzi.

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Is Montepulciano, Italy worth visiting?

Yes, Montepulciano is worth visiting as part of a trip through Tuscany. The town is less than an hour away from Siena or Perugia. Many day trips from further-away spots like Florence or Lucca also include Montepulciano on their itineraries; it’s a “must-visit” spot for wine, views, and sights.

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Where can I watch the sunset in Montepulciano?

Head to Piazza Grande and wander the small streets nearby until you stumble on a belvedere (lookout point). Or, if you’d like a less obstructed view, consider driving to the church of San Biagio, a mere five minutes from the city center.

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How long do you need in Montepulciano?

An overnight stay will give you plenty of time. Spend the day wandering the storied streets, soaking up tower-top views from the Palazzo Comunale, and indulging in a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. After dinner, when the day-trippers have left, you can soak up the town’s beauty without crowds.

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Does Montepulciano have a train station?

Yes, but the station is roughly 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the main town, and it sits on a local line. Visitors from Florence or Rome may be better off taking an express train to Chiusi, then hopping on one of the frequent buses that run from there to Montepulciano.

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Where in Italy is Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is in Tuscany, which sits roughly in the middle of the country, just above the knee of Italy’s boot. The closest big cities are Siena and Perugia, although it’s also reasonably close to other Tuscan big names like San Gimignano, Livorno, and Arezzo.

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