Montepulciano
Welcome to Montepulciano: a friendly guide
Hello everyone! Welcome to the beautiful city of Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy. With its 13,260 inhabitants, Montepulciano is a charming municipality that sits on a vast hilly area of the Tuscan hinterland, 605 meters above sea level.
Physical Geography
Territory
Montepulciano is located on a high position compared to the Valdichiana, in an area that was once swampy but is now characterized by excellent vineyards that produce the famous Montepulciano DOCG wine. The municipal area extends in the southeastern sector of Tuscany on the border with Umbria and Lazio.
Climate
The climate here is pleasant with high atmospheric diffusivity, as confirmed by a 2002 study by Ibimet CNR.
Origin of the name
Do you want to know where the name "Montepulciano" comes from? It is a compound of "monte" and "Policiano", "Polciano" or "Pulciano". It is a predial name that refers to rustic lands or villages derived from the Latin language "Publicius" (which in turn has Etruscan origins), with the suffix "-ānus" forming the adjective.
History
Montepulciano has ancient origins that date back to the 4th century BC when it was founded by the Etruscans. In Roman times it was the seat of a military garrison and was later Christianized by the bishop of Arezzo, Donato. In the 12th century, the Republic of Siena tried to subjugate Montepulciano, but the Poliziani defended themselves with the help of Perugia and Orvieto, as well as the support of Florence. In the 14th century, the city was contested among the major families and, in the end, the Del Pecora family became the lord of Valiano and the tyrant of Montepulciano.
From the beginning of the 15th century to the mid-16th century, Montepulciano experienced its golden period, characterized by political stability, cultural prestige and artistic flourishing.
What to visit in Montepulciano
The walls and gates of the city
Montepulciano is a medieval village in the shape of an "S" enclosed within three circles of walls built in the 14th century. The walls and gates are still in excellent condition and constitute one of the tourist attractions of the city.
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande is the symbol of Montepulciano. It has a terracotta pavement and is surrounded by important public buildings, such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Church of San Biagio
The Church of San Biagio is a Renaissance church located outside the walls of the city, designed by the Tuscan architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. It is an example of Renaissance religious architecture, with a white stone facade that dominates the surrounding countryside.
Cantina dei Vini Nobile di Montepulciano
If you love wine, you cannot miss a visit to the Cantina dei Vini Nobile di Montepulciano, where you can taste the famous Vino Nobile and other amazing local wines.
Culinary traditions
Montepulciano is also famous for its traditional cuisine. Among the typical dishes are pici, a guitar-shaped pasta dish with duck sauce, wild boar stew, and grilled lamb. Let's not forget the delicious sweets such as ricotta tart and Torta del Nonno.
Events
Montepulciano is lively throughout the year with various events, including the Bravìo delle Botti, which takes place on the last Sunday of August. This event is a race between the neighborhoods of the city, where participants must push wooden barrels along the steep streets of Montepulciano, accompanied by bands playing traditional music.
Conclusions
Montepulciano is a fascinating city that will enchant you with its history, culture, food, and of course, its natural beauty. If you decide to visit this magical place, allow yourself to be conquered by the kindness and hospitality of its people, who will make your experience unforgettable.
