Montalcino is a beautiful village located in the southern part of Siena, in southern Tuscany. Dominated by a majestic castle and surrounded by medieval walls, this town has remained unchanged since the sixteenth century. Thanks to its geographical location at the top of a hill, it is the perfect area to be the home of
Brunello, one of the most famous and prized wines in Italy. But what are the
ten must-have experiences to enjoy here? Let’s find out together!
Visit the Fortress
Built in 1361 during Siena’s rule, the
Fortress towers over the entire village. Time has not altered its architectural appearance, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its allure. From its walls and towers, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the
Crete Senesi and
Monte Amiata. This magical site also hosts the renowned
Jazz & Wine Festival.
Visit Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is the heart of Montalcino's historic center, characterized by several arcades, some of which were once used as public chapels. Its construction, around the year 1000, was funded by the abbots of Sant'Antimo and involved leveling the steep side of the mountain—a challenging feat. Although the square has changed names several times, its current name dates back to 1945.
Admire the beauty of Palazzo dei Priori
When you find yourself in
Piazza del Popolo, you won’t miss the
Palazzo dei Priori, a building in typical Sienese style constructed between the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Its façade is adorned with a tall and narrow tower, several coats of arms, and a portico beneath which stands a statue of Cosimo I, created by Giovanni Berti. Today, Palazzo dei Priori serves as Montalcino’s historic town hall.
Take a wine tour at a winery
A visit to Montalcino wouldn’t be complete without joining a
wine tour organized by its many local wineries. Nestled among vineyards, these establishments produce some of Tuscany’s finest wines, including the iconic
Brunello di Montalcino, offering tastings that evolve into full-fledged gastronomic experiences. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in
educational tours, discovering all the secrets of grape cultivation and winemaking, while sampling
high-quality Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced by the same farms. Explore the best
wineries in Montalcino in our article.
Indulge in a Tuscan dinner
Tuscany and fine dining go hand-in-hand, so don’t miss the chance to book a table at one of Montalcino’s many traditional restaurants to enjoy a dinner featuring Tuscan specialties. Beyond the essential
Florentine steak grilled over charcoal, try
pici,
anchovies in pesto, and
cantucci dipped in
Vin Santo. Check out the best
restaurants with a view in Montalcino in our article. If you’re looking for a great meat dinner, here are the
best meat restaurants in Montalcino!
Visit the traditional shops of Montalcino
As you stroll through the historic center of Montalcino, you’ll come across various
shops, not just for food items but also for
ceramics,
leather goods, and
pastries, perfect for a sweet break.
Visit the elegant Montalcino Cathedral
Built between 1818 and 1832, the
Duomo of Montalcino is a fabulous example of neoclassical architecture. It is simple and lacks ornate decorations. The design was created by
Agostino Fantastici, replacing the old church dedicated to San Salvatore. Inside, you can admire an altar adorned with the Immaculate Conception with Jesus and God the Father, painted by the Mannerist Sienese painter
Francesco Vanni in 1588. In front of the altar is another masterpiece by the same artist depicting Saint John the Baptist in the desert.
Walk along the Walls of Montalcino
The
Walls of Montalcino, built in the 12th century, stretch over four kilometers, featuring six gates and thirteen towers. Their highlight is the well-preserved original battlements.
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Attend a live show inside a wine bar
Wine bars aren’t just places for a quick drink; they often become pleasant meeting points where you can enjoy live music performances.
Explore the best
wine bars in Montalcino in our article.
Visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo
Located near Montalcino, the
Abbey of Sant’Antimo It will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and learn about the lives of the monks who still reside there. You can stay with them and purchase herbal teas, preserves, and perfumes crafted by their hands. Moreover, this is an ancient building founded, according to legend, by Emperor Charlemagne. Discover more about this
historical treasure in our article.
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