10 Unique Things to Do in Montepulciano In 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Montepulciano? Then you need this ultimate guide.

Filled with breathtaking views, fascinating culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to get lost in the wonders that this city has to offer.

From day trips exploring nearby wineries and ancient hill towns to relaxing strolls through its cobblestone streets and inviting piazzas, there is something for everyone here.

With this guide, you’ll easily find your way around the city and learn about its must-see sights, so read on to discover my top ten suggestions and enjoy!

Things to Do in Montepulciano – Overview

Before going through what to do in Montepulciano, let’s discuss some questions that you may have as a first-timer in Montepulciano, like the location, getting there, and more.

Where it Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is a small town located in the province of Siena, in the region of Tuscany, Italy. It is most renowned for its production of red wine, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Montepulciano also boasts a wealth of cultural and historical sites, such as medieval walls encircling the city and the Piazza Grande.

Is Montepulciano Worth Visiting?

Montepulciano is definitely worth visiting! With its incredible views, historic buildings, and delicious food, it’s a place that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Plus, with its unique atmosphere and friendly people, it makes for a great vacation spot.

I recommend staying here for 2 days to spend the night and experience the best things to do in Montepulciano.

How to Get to Montepulciano?

To get to Montepulciano, you can take a bus or drive. I recommend renting a car and drive from Siena, which is only 1 hour away.

Alternatively, Montepulciano is also 1.5 hour away from Florence, so you can either rent a car or join a day tour, which is the most convenient way to come over.

10 Things to Do in Montepulciano

Now that you know the basics about the town, it’s time to get into the main topic – the best things to do in Montepulciano.

Whether you’re coming with a tour or by yourself, there are so many unique attractions in Montepulciano, and I can’t wait to tell you everything about them!

Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the main square of Montepulciano and the perfect starting point to explore the city. The iconic bell tower of the city, Torre del Pulcinella, is visible from the square, and it is the highest point in town.

Situated on the top of a hill, Piazza Grande offers incredible views of the nearby Tuscan countryside. Piazza Grande was built in 1570 but its construction was only done in 1680.

The square is surrounded by several important buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale, which houses the city hall and a municipal museum, and the Church of San Biagio, the town’s patron saint.

The square is also home to the iconic Well of the Grifi and the Lions, which is the symbol of Montepulciano and was constructed in the 16th century. From the griffins symbolizing the city to the Renaissance architecture, Piazza Grande is a must-see for anyone visiting Montepulciano.

The streets around Piazza Grande are full of charming shops, cafes, and restaurants, where you can enjoy a taste of the local cuisine. Do I even need to say why coming here is one of the best things to do in Montepulciano?

Climb the Pulcinella Tower

The Pulcinella Tower is a medieval tower house that is topped by the town clock and the hunched figure of Pulcinella, which strikes the hours.

The tower is a symbol of the town and provides incredible views of its narrow streets, exquisite palaces, and magnificent churches. You can climb the tower to get a better view of the town and the nearby towns of Pienza and Cortona.

The tower is admired for its symmetry and harmonious layout, which is great to take lovely photos with the stunning architecture in the background.

From the top of the tower, you can enjoy stunning views of Val d’Orcia and the surrounding countryside, making it the perfect place to start your exploration of the region.

Explore the City Streets

Exploring the city streets of Montepulciano is a great way to get a better sense of the city and its attractions. The main street of the old city, Il Corso, is lined with picturesque buildings, courtyards, and shops, and takes visitors through the heart of the town.

What a way to discover the old town and the things to do in Montepulciano!

The street ends in the main square, Piazza Grande, which is surrounded by important buildings such as the Town Hall, Cathedral of the Assumption, Contucci Palace, and Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo.

The old city of Montepulciano is surrounded by fortifications, and is divided into eight neighborhoods. Walking around, you can explore the city walls and learn about the battles between Siena and Florence for control of Montepulciano.

Take in the Views from Palazzo Comunale

One of the most iconic sights in Montepulciano is Palazzo Comunale, located in the town center. Palazzo Comunale is home to the city hall, and it is a great place to admire the stunning Renaissance architecture. The palace is also home to a municipal museum, which displays artifacts related to Montepulciano’s history.

At the top of Palazzo Comunale is a clock tower, which offers incredible views of the city. Visitors can take in the views of the Temple of San Biagio, as well as the nearby Tuscan countryside. On a clear day, visitors can see the nearby towns of Arezzo, Siena, and Florence.

Visitors to Montepulciano can also explore the many wine cellars located in the city. The cellars are located underground, and offer guided tours and tastings of the region’s famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Wine lovers can also visit the many wine bars and restaurants in the city to sample the local wines.

Go Wine Tasting

Montepulciano is known for its delicious wines and offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences for visitors to enjoy. Wine aficionados can explore the town center, the hilltop town, and the surrounding Tuscan countryside to sample its renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

You can visit underground wine cellars and take a wine tour at De’ Ricci Cantine Storiche, where you’ll visit the most beautiful wine cellar in the world with a wine-tasting session for only 20 euros.

Here, you will not just taste amazing wines but also learn about the history of Italian wines and the production process.

On top of that, make sure to try the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the great wines of the Tuscany region, known as the “king of the reds”, made from the Sangiovese grape, dry and complex with a long finish.

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of The Assumption

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of The Assumption is one of the most impressive cultural attractions in Montepulciano, Italy. Located in the town center, this Renaissance cathedral was built in the 16th century on the site of an older church.

It is decorated with numerous works of art, including a 1401 gold altarpiece made by Taddeo di Bartolo of the “Assumption of the Virgin with Saints”.

The building was designed by Ippolito Scalza, an Orvieto architect and sculptor, and the best painting in the church is Taddeo di Bartolo’s Assumption of the Virgin.

As you’ll see when visiting Montepulciano, it isn’t the most impressive cathedral in Italy, but it’s nonetheless unique and very authentic inside – hence why it’s one of the things to do in Montepulciano that you should consider.

Photograph Porta al Prato

Porta al Prato is a historic city gate and entrance to the center of the small town of Montepulciano, Italy. This iconic bell tower is a reminder of the city’s past, and the incredible scenery of the Tuscan hilltop town can be seen from its ramparts.

The bell tower also offers access to the San Biagio church, which was built in the 14th century and is where the tasting room for the local Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine is located.

From Porta al Prato, you can also admire the facade of the church, which dates from the 20th century, and access the terrace via an elevator.

Take in the Views at Veduta Panoramica

If you’re looking for the best viewpoint in town, Vaduta Panoramica is a must-visit in Montepulciano.

Perched atop a hill and overlooking the Tuscan countryside, it offers up expansive views of rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque valleys. Is there any better way to see the Tuscan countryside?

Visitors here can enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the horizon or take in the romantic atmosphere of this charming town. With its cobblestone streets and terracotta-roofed homes, Montepulciano exudes an Italian charm unique to the region.

Walk to Monticchiello

If you’re looking for a great way to explore Val D’Orcia, take a walk to Monticchiello. Located 6 miles away, Monticchiello is a small town located in Val D’Orcia.

From Montepulciano, you can take the 16-km path and get to Monticchiello in about 3 hours.

You can leave from Piazza Grande, take the main street, and follow the path from Porta al Prato to Tempio di San Biagio and continue the route to Monticchiello, passing by incredible scenery.

While it’s one of the best things to do in Montepulciano, I recommend taking this hike only when spending the night here as you’ll have more time to enjoy both the walk and Montepulciano itself.

Attend the Bravio Delle Botti

The Bravio delle Botti is an annual race held in Montepulciano, Italy since 1974. It involves rolling wine barrels down the steep streets of the city as a tribute to the town’s patron saint, Saint Biagio. Teams of men and women compete to see who can roll their barrel the fastest while being cheered on by thousands of spectators.

The race is accompanied by a celebration of local food and music, with wine aficionados from all over the world sampling the local vino nobile. The “bravio” is awarded to the winner of the race. They are then treated to a celebration consisting of rousing feasts and celebrated Vino Nobile wines.

The Bravio delle Botti is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the festivities that come with it.

Montepulciano Activities – FAQs

Now that you know all the best Montepulciano things to do, let’s go through some questions that many people ask before visiting.

How Long to Stay in Montepulciano?

If you’re considering visiting Montepulciano, allow at least 3 nights for the full experience. This gives you enough time to explore the city, take a food and wine tour, go hiking outdoors, and immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture.

The city of Montepulciano is a great destination for travelers looking for a unique experience. With its stunning views, delicious food, and rich history, it’s a great place to visit.

What is Montepulciano Known For?

Montepulciano is renowned for its exquisite vino nobile di Montepulciano and its stunning historical town center with picturesque piazzas, churches and breathtaking viewing terraces over the countryside.

This beautiful Tuscan town is a great place to visit for a day trip or as a base from which to explore the region.

Where to Eat in Montepulciano?

Le Logge del Vignola, La Grotta, and Caffe Poliziano are popular choices. For a unique experience, visitors can visit an underground wine cellar, where they can sample a variety of wines and learn about the history of the city.

There are also several wine bars where you can enjoy a selection of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

For a romantic evening out, Enoteca Porto di Bacco has vaulted stone ceilings and offers a variety of wines and meats. La Vineria di Montepulciano is the perfect spot for sampling some of the region’s pasta dishes. La Dolce Vita has a wide selection of wine, pasta, olive oil, and honey.

Finally, for those looking for family-friendly dining options, there are plenty of restaurants that offer good food for children. La Porta is a great spot for lunch or dinner after your walk and Ristorante La Briciola is the perfect place for traditional Tuscan pasta dishes.

Where to Stay in Montepulciano?

Last but not least, let’s talk about the accommodation options in Montepulciano, whether you travel on a budget or have the means for a premium property.

Luxury: Villa Cicolina

Villa Cicolina, dating to the early Middle Ages, is a charming hotel in the Tuscan countryside near Montepulciano. Once a noble retreat, it features antique furnishings, frescoes, and private gardens with a hydromassage pool.

Here, you can relax in large open spaces, explore the wine cellar, and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine at the restaurant. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, some in separate cottages with private gardens.

Mid-Range: Hotel Panoramic Montepulciano

Perched 600 meters high, Hotel Panoramic Montepulciano offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and scenic views. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool with hydromassage, a large garden, and a bed and breakfast service.

Located a short drive from Montepulciano and nearby thermal baths, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the area. Free parking is available too for added convenience.

Budget: Albergo Duomo

Albergo Duomo, set in a 16th-century building in Montepulciano’s historical center, offers rooms with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sweet and savory buffet breakfast, possibly outdoors.

The hotel, non-smoking throughout, is close to Piazza Grande and a short drive from local attractions. Lake Trasimeno is reachable within 30 minutes.

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Final Thoughts – Things to Do in Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a town that exudes Italian charm, culture, and beauty. Its cobblestoned streets, Renaissance architecture and picturesque views of the Tuscan countryside make for an unforgettable day trip.

With an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, Montepulciano is bustling with attractions ranging from cultural tours, gelaterias, wine tastings, and much more.

Piazza Grande is a great place to start as it is a historic square with plenty of cafes, restaurants and iconic monuments.

In conclusion, these were the best things to do in Montepulciano, from wine tasting to visiting Piazza Grande, I’m sure you’ll have a great time!