Set on an enchanting hill, Montalcino is one of the most picturesque towns in the province of Siena, a charming village that still retains its charm of an ancient medieval village. Its territory, which is part of the Natural and Cultural Art Park of Val d’Orcia, is covered by vines (from which are obtained high-quality wines such as the famous Brunello), olive trees and woods in which holm oaks prevail.

Abbazia di Sant’Antimo

According to some scholars, the toponym derives from “lucus” or “small forest”, while someone traces it to the terms “mons”, mount, and “ilex”, holm oak. Certain is the presence of man since the Etruscan era, the period from which the town only enriched with marvelous historical, artistic and architectural evidence. Surrounding the old town center are the ancient walls, erected in the thirteenth century for defensive purposes, while the heart of the village is dominated by the fortress of 1361, located at the highest point. Designed by the Sienese Mino Foresi and Domenico di Feo, the fortress has a pentagonal plan and incorporates some pre-existing structures, including the keep of Santo Martini, the tower of San Giovanni and an ancient basilica, now used as a chapel. The most noteworthy religious building is the Cathedral of San Salvatore, founded in the fourteenth century but modified over the centuries and today of typically neoclassical appearance, thanks to the restructuring occurred at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Adjacent to the manor you can visit the Church of Sant’Agostino, built in the thirteenth century, and a former convent now used as a Civic and Diocesan Museum, which houses several valuable paintings and sculptures performed by the likes of Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Simone Martini. Another place not to be missed is Piazza del Popolo, the main square of the village overlooked by the Palazzo del Comune, or Palazzo dei Priori, built between the late thirteenth and early fifteenth century and decorated with heraldic coats of arms of different powers who held the power of the city over the centuries. From the palace stands a high medieval tower, while adjacent is a porticoed structure called “la Loggia”, built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. From the elevated part of Montalcino you can see a wonderful panorama, with the imposing shape of Mount Amiata, the uncontaminated spaces of the Val d’Orcia and the vines from which the famous Brunello di Montalcino will be born. The life of the town is quiet and at the same time livened up by some unmissable cultural events. Among the most famous traditional events we mention the Sagra del Tordo in October, with a historical parade, the characteristic Trescone dance, and the challenge of archery among the city’s neighborhoods. The appointment for people with at sweet tooth takes place in September, and it is the Honey Week. Even the summer offers unforgettable moments, especially during the International Festival of Montalcino.

USEFUL INFO

Official website of the city

For general information visit the site:

www.montalcinonet.com

www.prolocomontalcino.com

Tourist Information Office

Associazione Pro Loco Montalcino

Costa del Municipio, 8 – Montalcino

Tel. e Fax  +39. 0577 849331

info@prolocomontalcino.it

www.prolocomontalcino.com

Useful Numbers

Carabinieri                                       112

Police                                          113

Fire Department                              115

Healthcare Emergency                    118

Travel Informed (CCISS)                 1518

Climate

Montalcino enjoys a pleasant temperate climate, characterized by mild average temperatures and many sunny days. In January, the coldest month goes from an average minimum temperature of 2 ° C to a maximum of 9 ° C, while in July it goes from 17 ° C to 30 ° C. Rainfall, scarce in summer, is mainly concentrated in spring and autumn.

Nearby

San Quirico d’Orcia Km. 15

Castiglione d’Orcia Km. 23

Pienza Km. 24

Montepulciano Km. 37

Sinalunga Km. 38

Siena Km. 44