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According to scholars and archeologists, the first inhabitants in the area go back to the 3^rd and 4^thÌýcentury BC, even before the Etruscans. After the Etruscans, the area wasÌýthen ruledÌýby the Romans.

Attractions in Montepulciano

Palazzo Communale

The Palazzo Comunale diÌýMontepulciano was designed by Michelozzo. The palace was built in an architectural style typical of Tuscany and of Florence in particular:Ìýin fact, the design of Montepulciano’sÌýPalazzo ComunaleÌýÌýis very similar to that ofÌýPalazzo della Signoria,Ìýin Florence.

Palazzo Tarugi

Palazzo Tarugi is an interesting place to visit because of its beautiful architecture. The palace is entirely built inÌýtraventine (the typical stone of Rome)Ìýwhich makes it quite different fromÌýthe typical building of the region. The palace also has a portico which was once open for visitors, Ìýbut had to be, unfortunately, closed to the public.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

The ¶Ù³Ü´Ç³¾´Ç,Ìýor Ìýcathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the most important religious place in Montepulciano. The cathedral was built between 1594 and 1680 and has a beautiful interiors, Ìýdecorated with many artworks, the most noteworthy of which is a largeÌýAssumption of the VirginÌýpainted in 1401 by Taddeo Di Bartola, representative of the Sienese School.

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was built in the 16^th century, and presents a simple architecture with a three arcade portico. Inside the church is a single nave, embellished by a precious terracotta altar made by Andrea della Robbia.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio

The sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is located close to the city, Ìýand has been built inÌýtypicallyÌýTuscan style in the 16^th century. The sanctuary was built at the location of an ancient church, and has a circular shape with a large dome over a terrace. The façade is all done in white travertine and features two large bell towers.

Fiera delle Tre Berte

The Fiera delle Tre Berte is a typical festival held in Montepulciano every year in May. The festival showcases regionalÌýagricultural produce, as well as agricultural machineries.ÌýÌý Attending visitors might get a chance to sample typical food items and local delicacies, including Montepulciano renowned wines.

Getting to Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a fairly small town, so there are not many options in terms of transportation. The easiest way to reach itÌýis by bus. Several buses forÌýMontepulciano depart regularlyÌýfrom Florence, Rome, Siena and PienzaÌýeach day.ÌýThere are also many buses reaching town fromÌýother smaller villages in the province. Buses are generally very comfortable and, as said, they run regularly,ÌýhoweverÌýdelays are not uncommon. ÌýTickets are easily available,Ìýeven in peak tourist seasons. Those who have their own cars can reach Montepulciano quite easily by road from Siena, Florence and Pienza.

Moving Around Town

Montepulciano is pretty small, Ìýso visitors can easily move around without worry. Most of it can be explored on foot, since streets here quite picturesque and not very crowded. The town is known for its beautiful,Ìýcar free pedestrian streets so walking around can be quite enjoyable. Public buses are an option, in case you are staying outside the town centre. If you drive your own car, remember most of the historical centre is ÌýforÌýpedestrians only.

Stay and Accommodation

Montepulciano is a very small town, but because of the rise in agri-tourism there are quite a lot of good hotels in the area.ÌýMost of them have been converted fromÌýold villas and family homes. There are also a few good bed & breakfasts,Ìýwhere tourists can find clean and comfortable rooms for lower prices. Some good placesÌýÌýto try in are ÌýHotel Panoramic, , Hotel Albergo Marzocco and Meubel II Riccio. Most hotels are located close to the town centerÌýand rooms are easily available allÌýyear.

Eating in Montepulciano

Montepulciano has many good options for eating out, as itÌýis known for its agricultural produce and local dishes.ÌýMostÌýrestaurants serve local Tuscan dishes, including pork and cheeses, as well as a type of thick pastaÌýcalled pici. Most restaurants also offer excellent quality wines, since the region is famous for it. Some good placesÌýto try in Montepulciano are Le Logge Del Vignola, Ristorante La Grotta, Ai Quattro Venti and Trattoria Di Cagnano.

Shopping in Montepulciano

Montepulciano only has a few places to shop, mostly on the main street,Ìýwhich stretches from Porta Al Prato to Piazza Grande. The best thing to purchase in Montepulciano is wine, since the town is very famous for its many vineyards from where the famous Vino Nobile is made. Plenty of wine shops in the town sell Vino Nobile,ÌýhoweverÌývisitors must be careful as there are also other, cheaper varieties sold.ÌýVisitors can also find a variety of locally made cheeses in Montepulciano.