Italy Blog #48- Welcome to the Quaint Town of Montepulciano

Ivy covered arches

Today in our Italy travel blog #48, we're taking you to a town called Montepulciano.  This is Part 1 of 2 blogs. In this blog we'll walk through the town and show you the beauty in the buildings and scenery. In the next blog we'll take you to a pretty cool winery.

Looking over the countryside from the top of the town

Another view from the top of the hill

One of the 2 gates to the city

 












ABOUT THE TOWN - Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and comune in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. It's located at the entry of the state of Florence, 77 miles (124 kilometers) southeast of Florence, and 116 miles (186 kilometers) north of Rome by car.

A walkway

A picturesque stone walkway

WHAT IS THE TOWN FAMOUS FOR? Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Renowned for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is known world-wide for its wine. Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile, which should not be confused with varietal wine merely made from the Montepulciano grape, among Italy's best.

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (late 16th century)

FAST FACT - The town is under historic protection for architecture and culture.  

There were flowers to brighten up corners and windows

HOW OLD IS THE TOWN? According to legend, it was founded by the Etruscan King Lars Porsena of Chiusi; recent findings prove that a settlement was already in existence in the 4th-3rd centuries B.C. In Roman times it was the seat of a garrison guarding the main roads of the area. The walls of the city date to around the 14th century.

FLOWERS EVERYWHERE - One charming aspect of this town was the small displays of flowers all over - windows, sidewalks, and everywhere they could put them. They brightened up the stone that made up the entire town. 

Looking at the top of Montepulciano's hill

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE THERE? - According to the census taken in 2014, just 14,324 people reside in the town. There are a lot more tourists! 

NEXT: THE WINDOWS OF MONTEPULCIANO