Also of Etruscan origin it later became a Roman
winter encampment. A main centre of the valley, it has a fortress dating back
to the 8th century and
medieval "palazzi" or residences from the13th century which recall the history
of the comunes.
Montepulciano has been called "Pearl of the 1500s"
thanks to the numerous works created by famous
Renaissance artists. The main square "Piazza Grande" is
surrounded by magnificent buildings such as the
Palazzo Pubblico, the Cathedral with unfinished faça-
de begun in1594 from a designby Ippolito Scalza and
several residences by Vignola, Sangallo and Peruzzi.
Artistic treasures abound in the many churches in the historical centre and just
outside. The most beautiful is
the tempie of San Biagio, begun in 1518 by Antonio da
Sangallo the elder just outside the town in thedirection
of Pienza.
Montepulciano celebrates several traditional events and is considered an
important cultural and
tourist centre.
Between July and August, Piazza Grande becomes a stage for concerts and
for the Cantiere
Internazionale d'Arte (International Arts Workshop).
During the mid-August holidays it is traditional for the
people of
Montepulciano to perform the 'Bruscello',
while the hommage to the community's greatest production takes piace at the
end of August - the 'Bravio
delle Botti', a competition between the 'contrade',
the different districts of the town, where empty wine
barrels are rolled up through the town in a race to
Piazza Grande.
And wine is, in fact, the most famous
product of the land around
Montepulciano. Most of
the wine cellars dug into the ground under the town
are of historical interest, inviting the visitor to take a
break between one museum and another.
At
Montepulciano, there is tourist accommodation available in hotels, agriturismos, residence self-catering accommodation, b&b, rooms for rent, historical villa and holiday homes.
