Lucignano is a
small-fortified town and represents one of the most intact and perfect
examples of medieval town planning. Its roads are an intricate maze
leading to the highest point of the town, where the Palazzo the Comunale,
Chiesa of S.Francesco can be found
The church of San Francesco has numerous beautiful frescoes and there is a
museum close by the church.
The biggest and highest of southern Tuscany's hill towns Montepulciano has
been called the "Pearl of the 1500s" thanks to the numerous works created
by famous Renaissance artists.
The main square "Piazza Grande" is surrounded by magnificent buildings
such as the Palazzo Pubblico, the Cathedral and several residences by
Vignola, Sangallo and Peruzzi. Artistic treasures abound in the many
churches. The most beautiful is the tempie of San Biagio.
Montepulciano celebrates several traditional events. Between July and
August, Piazza Grande becomes a stage for concerts and for the Cantiere
Internazionale d'Arte (International Arts Workshop). At the end of August
the people of Montepulciano perform - the 'Bravio delle Botti', a
competition between the 'contrade', the different districts of the town,
where empty wine barrels are rolled up through the town in a race to
Piazza Grande.
And wine is, in fact, the most famous product of the land around
Montepulciano. Most of the wine cellars dug into the ground under the town
are of historical interest; here visitors may take a break between one
museum and another. In the 17th century, when Francesco Redi wrote his
poem, Bacchus in Tuscany, he described the Noble Wine of Montepulciano as
"The King of all wines.” Around the area are numerous vineyards where you
can taste and buy wine
* Include
Pienza for a day out
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