Montapulciano

The hilly town

I’ve always enjoyed Montapulciano wines, so I was really excited to go to the source of beloved Vino Nobile!

Quiet, pedestrian streets

Torre di Pulcinella (of Punch and Judy)

Wine shop

It wasn’t surprising that this small town (14,000 residents) was saturated with wine shops, wineries, wine accoutrements and restaurants serving wine.

Sidewalk scene

Down an alley

Sweeping views

Looking out

As the town is mostly pedestrians-only, we parked right outside the town walls and walked through main gate Porta al Prato. From there, we followed via di Gracciano nel Corso, the main street lined with boutiques, churches, boutiques and old mansions.

Overlooking Valdichiana

Montapulciano is built on a narrow ridge of volcanic rock, so it’s pretty steep. From many spots, there are great views over the Valdichiana countryside.

16th-century cathedral with unfinished façade

Well

Piazza Grande, Montapulciano’s main square, sits on the highest point of the ridge.

Gothic commune

13th-century Gothic Comune di Montepulciano, a tower and rustication built in imitation of Florence’s Palazzo Veccio that serves as the town hall, sits on the town’s highest point.

15th-century Chiesa di Sant’Agostino