The Village of Montalcino in Tuscany

A town renowned worldwide for Brunello, Montalcino sits atop a hill overlooking the valleys of Asso, Ombrone, and Arbia. Famous primarily as the home of this exquisite wine, Montalcino is also a charming town with an intact medieval village, pleasant to explore on foot, where one can enjoy lovely walks while waiting to enter a restaurant to relish local specialties and, of course, a good glass of Brunello.

Montalcino is a delightful medieval town first mentioned in history on December 29, 814 when Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, granted the entire territory as a fief to Apollinare.

The foundations of the current village began to be established in 930. By 1100, more than four kilometers of walls were erected, with thirteen towers serving as protection for the settlement and six gates.

After the surrender of Siena to the Florentines in 1555, the fortress of Montalcino became the last stronghold of the republic, where 650 families resisted until 1559.

The town completely exited the Middle Ages after the unification of Italy in 1861 with the construction of the Asciano-Grosseto railway. Currently, the bastion, with accessible ramparts and areas, hosts frequent events related to gastronomy.

The ancient core, surrounded by walls, extends along a main axis, Via Matteotti, leading to Piazza del Popolo, the medieval heart of the town. At the corner between the square and the street stands the Palazzo dei Priori, of Sienese craftsmanship, adorned with the marble coats of arms of the podestà. We recommend admiring in the portico, at ground level, the statue of Cosimo I, crafted by Giovanni Berti.

This museum houses fascinating examples of Sienese art from the 12th to the 19th century. This former convent of St. Augustine showcases, among others, works by Sano di Pietro, Simone Martini, Bartolo di Fredi, Girolamo di Benvenuto, Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and Luca di Tommè, statues in various wood colors from the 15th century, and a wonderful bronze crucifix by Giambologna.

This structure, built between 1818 and 1832, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture, created according to the design of Agostino Fantastici on the site of the ancient parish of St. Salvatore. The Cathedral is a sparse building, lacking particular pretensions, but nonetheless rises majestically and elegantly over the territory.

Diverse and characteristic are the events held in Montalcino, such as the Sagra del Tordo, an event inspired by hunting tradition, featuring a historical parade and an archery contest among the various districts.

Sweet flavors and sensations await during the Honey Week held in September at the Fortress: here, the products of the hive and beekeeping equipment are displayed.

In the summer, you can attend the International Festival of Montalcino which annually proposes an exciting schedule of spectacular events in picturesque locations such as churches, castles, squares, and enchanting villages.

In July, the notes become more refined with the Jazz Wine festival, which hosts the most prominent jazz musicians on the scene. Finally, don't miss the unique and well-stocked markets of collectibles, art, and craft.