Rich History

Montepulciano , Italy is one of the most attractive hills towns in Tuscany . Built on the Monte Poliziano ridge in the province of Sienna in Tuscany , it is the ancient Etruscan city of Nocera Alfaterna .
In 308 B.C. Nocera Alfaterna made an alliance with Rome against the Samnites. In the Middle Ages, the town was under the control of Florence , but was conquered by Sienna in 1260.

The main street of Montepulciano stretches for 11.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill.

Famous Wines

Montepulciano is famous for two excellent wines - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano.

The origins of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are ancient and tightly linked to the history of the town; wineries are integrated into the fabric of the old town center.

A rich cache of documents and articles relating to the flourishing history of the town is housed in the Politian Archives and shows that as far back as 1350 the terms and conditions governing trade and the exportation of wines from Montepulciano had already been established.

The reputation of this wine early spread abroad and is mentioned by Voltaire in his "Candide". Other early foreign admirers included the American Presidents Martin Van Buren and Thomas Jefferson.

Must-See Destinations

The Cathedral - built in 1619 from plans by Scalzo. Until the 18C it held the tomb of Bartolomeo Arragazzi, secretary of Pope Martin V, a work of Michelozzo.

The Church of the Madonna di San Biagio - planned by Antonio da Sangallo (1518-37).

The Contucci Palace - designed by Sangallo

14th-century Palazzo Municipale - contains a small gallery of Sienese and Umbrian art.

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