Montepulciano Guide
Montepulciano is at a high altitude of 2,000 feet and can be seen from a distance with its redbrick buildings. Rent a villa or farmhouse in the vicinity of the town and you will be able to enjoy Montepulciano's wonderful churches, public buildings and delightful atmosphere. Having your Tuscan accommodation here is also a perfect base for travelling to small medieval towns such as San Gimignano and Pienza.
San Gimignano is a medieval town that owes its famous skyline to the rival families who tried to outdo each other by building taller and taller towers. Of the original 76 towers only 13 still survive today.
Pienza is a classic model of a Renaissance town. In the mid-15th century, Pope Pius II turned this out of the way hill town into a testing ground for the most advanced Renaissance ideas about urban planning. Strolling the streets of this village on a beautiful day is an absolute delight.
Slightly further then Pienza is the Abbey of Sant'Antimo in the Orcia Valley - and well worth a visit. This Abbey is a 12th century Romanesque gem of pale stones set in the silvery green of an olive grove. The exterior and interior sculpture is outstanding, particularly the nave capitals. According to legend, the sacristy forms part of the primitive Carolingian church.
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