25Nov 0 Montepulciano Posted By: Anna Maria Baldini Towns in the Province of Sienna, Tuscany, Tuscan food and wine, Tuscan villages and towns, Tuscany travel guide MontepulcianoMontepulciano - what to see, where to stay in Montepulciano, Tuscany Montepulciano with Monticchiello in the foreground Montepulciano is an archetypal Tuscan hilltop town famous for its wines, Brunello di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Montepulciano is also extremely attractive in terms of architecture, art and the views of Tuscany to be enjoyed from its hilltop location. The Piazza Grande is situated at the highest point of Montepulciano and is an ideal spot to start your exploration of this charming town. This is also the location of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Duomo of Montepulciano, which was constructed between 1594 and 1680, and houses a masterpiece from the Siennese School, a massive Assumption of the Virgin triptych painted by Taddeo di Bartolo in 1401. The pavement is also worth noting for a beautiful engraving in rose marble. The 15 C funerary monument of Bartolomeo Aragazzi, built by Michelozzo between 1427 and 1436, is another important art work in the duomo. It is divided into nine fragments, seven of which are displayed on different walls of the cathedral. Also look for the small 15 C painting by Sano di Pietro dedicated to the Madonna of the Pillar, and the terracotta relief of the Gigli Altar by Andrea Della Robbia (1512). Montepulciano Duomo – Assumption of the Virgin triptych painted by Taddeo di Bartolo The Church of San Biagio is located in a flat meadow, where Val d’Orcia borders with Val di Chiana, outside outside the historic centre of Montepulciano. The church was built by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, beginning in 1518. The church has a Greek cross layout with a central dome and a semicircular apse. There are two bell towers, of which only the one on the left is completed. The church is entirely covered in amber-ocloured travertine slabs inside and out. The interior worth a visit on the grounds of its harmonious architecture alone. More about Montepulciano. Montepulciano Church of San Biagio Here are some similar topics: San Gimignano San Gimignano is famous for its Tuscan tower houses. These were a common sight in Tuscan towns during the late middle ages but most city rulers ordered them to be torn down as a measure to reduce intramural discord. … Read More » Florence Florence, the art and architecture capital of Tuscany and one of the most important art cities in the world. Probably the best months to visit Florence are May, June, September and October. July is very pleasant in terms of weather… Read More » Montelupo Fiorentino Montelupo Fiorentino is historically and also today one of the most famous centres of painted majolica and ceramics production in Tuscany, and is within easy reach of Florence. … Read More » Sienna Sienna (Siena in Italian) is second only to Florence as a Tuscan “art” town, and, for many, its much smaller size and the absence of traffic in the historical centre make it more than the equal of Florence as a… Read More » Lucca The city of Lucca is located in western Tuscany and should at the very least be included in any tour of Tuscany. Lucca also makes an excellent base for your stay in Tuscany. The city is flat, compact and relatively… Read More »
