Best things to do in Montepulciano

Montepulciano in brief

This medieval town, with its underground wine cellars, medieval churches, and scenic streets, is a delight to explore. Montepulciano is one of the larger hill towns in Tuscany. It dates back to the 4th century BC, to the time when this land was inhabited by the Etruscans.

The Etruscan civilization lived in the region of Tuscany between the 9th century and 1st century BC. They left behind caves and ancient structures, some of which can still be seen on a visit to Montepulciano. Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, sits Montepulciano. Montepulciano, a charming medieval town in Tuscany, offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here's a brief overview of Montepulciano and the top things to do there: Montepulciano is a medieval town perched on a hilltop in Tuscany, Italy. It dates back to the 4th century BC when it was inhabited by the Etruscans. The town is known for its underground wine cellars, medieval churches, and picturesque streets.

The 10 best activities to do in Montepulciano

10) Take a tour in Montepulciano

There are several great tours that you can take, including wine tastings, cellars, visit and food tastings.

On this tour taste the wines of Montepulciano and learn about the history of winemaking in the area. Explore various tours, including wine tastings, cellar visits, and food tastings, to learn about the history of winemaking in the area.

9) The temple of San Biagio (Chiesa di San Biagio)

The temple of San Biagio is a church built between 1518 and 1548. As many other churches you might see in Tuscany, with Greek cross plan and a central dome, an Italian Renaissance masterpiece.

The church sits just outside of Montepulciano, down the hill from the historic city center. To get there, you must drive and park your car in the near parking lot.

8) The torture museum

It is a little museum present in every little city in Tuscany and there is this museum also in Montepulciano. It explain the history of torture in the Middle Ages.

7) Visit the Civic Museum

The museum contains few Etruscan artefacts and works of art, including two altar pieces that before were in Palazzo Comunale

6) Visit Fortezza Medicea (& go wine tasting)

This Medici Fortress sits on the south end of Montepulciano where you can walk thought a botanical garden and go wine tasting.

5) Visit and underground wine cellar

Visiting an underground wine cellar is definitely one of the best things to do in Montepulciano. Some cellars should be visited on a tour, some other with a tasting or you can simply visit the cellar. De'Ricci Cantine Storiche is one of the most popular and well-known wine cellars in Montepulciano. With high vaulted ceilings, enormous barrels of wine, and even a few statues here and there, this is one to put on your list.

For the best experience, book a tour and tasting, which you can do in advance on the official website. Cantina Contucci is another wine cellar we recommend. We were permitted. 

to walk through the cellar without doing a tasting or tour, so if you quickly want to see the inside of an underground wine cellar, this is one to consider. Cantina Ercolani, also called Azienda Agricola Ercolani, is another very popular cellar to visit. We have mixed thoughts on this one. The only way to see the underground cellar is on a free tour, which last 20 minutes, and are offered very frequently throughout the day. You learn some of the history of Montepulciano on this tour, which is interesting. 

4) Taste Vino Nobile

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the main wine that is produced in the vineyards near Montepulciano. To be a Nobile di Montepulciano, the wine must be made from a minimum of 70% Sangiovese grapes, and it also contains small amounts of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. The wine is aged for at least two years, and at least one year of this needs to be in an oak barrel.

3) Climb the clock tower in Palazzo Comunale

The façade of the Palazzo Comunale dates back to 1424 and was designed by architect Michelozzo.

For one of the best views of Montepulciano, climb to the top of the clock tower on Palazzo Comunale. You have the option to take the stairs all of the way to the top or ride the elevator and walk the remaining steps to the top. 

2) Visit Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the main square of Montepulciano. This large, open square is lined with some of the most important buildings in Montepulciano, including Town Hall, the Cathedral of the Assumption, Contucci Palace, Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, and the Well of the Grift and the Lions. You will see Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and it occupies prime real estate in Piazza Grande. The cathedral was consecrated in 1712 and inside is the Assumption of the Virgin, painted by Taddeo di Bartolo in 1401. 

1) Walk in the streets

Montepulciano is long and narrow. In the north end of town, Porta al Prato marks the entrance into Montepulciano. A tangle of streets runs south, ending near Fortezza Medicea. As you walk into town on Porta al Prato, it is an uphill walk until you reach Piazza Grande.

How much time do you need in Montepulciano?

To visit the main highlights of Montepulciano, you need about half of a day, or roughly 4 hours, in town. With a full day, you can thoroughly explore Montepulciano and go wine tasting at several different cellars. To see the main highlights of Montepulciano, plan for at least half a day, which is roughly 4 hours. With a full day, you can explore the town more thoroughly, visit multiple wine cellars, and enjoy a leisurely experience.

Whether you're interested in history, wine, or simply soaking in the beauty of this Tuscan gem, Montepulciano offers a delightful experience for all types of travelers.