Siena is one of the best preserved medieval towns of Tuscany, with its cathedral, a masterpiece of the Gothic Art, and the Piazza del Campo, one of the most impressive square in the world. A walk through the streets and districts, to discover the city of the Palio.
Pienza, the "ideal city", founded by Pope Pius II who gave it the name. The Val d'Orcia with its medieval villages and unmistakable landscapes is the result of the union between man and nature, UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.
Montepulciano is considered the "pearl of the Renaissance", land of artists, architects and poets, famous also for the wine Nobile. The Etruscan cities are the origins of our civilization: Chiusi, Sarteano, Chianciano and Cetona.
San Gimignano, "the city of beautiful towers”, also known as “The Manhattan of Middle Ages”, is famous today for its Vernaccia wine and saffron production. Chianti is a borderland between Siena and Florence famous for its castles and the fine wine that bears its name.
The Republic of Siena in Montalcino
The Republic of Siena in Montalcino A.D. 1555, Siena lost the great war against Florence. 400 families of exiles took refuge in Montalcino and founded "The Republic of Siena in Montalcino" that will endure another 4 years before the surrender. This is just the latest act of the historical events that have made Montalcino, fortified city par excellence, "amplum et noble oppidum" ("great and noble fortified city") as Pope Pius II defined it. Walking through the streets of the city, we will visit churches and monuments to relive its history, discovering the majestic fortress from which we can admire the landscape with luxuriant holm woods surrounding Montalcino.
Sant'Antimo Abbey
9 km from the center of Montalcino, situated over the valley of Starcia river, the abbey is a jewel of medieval architecture in the Romanesque style with references to French and Lombard models. According to the legend, Sant'Antimo was founded by Charlemagne in person as a votive offering for having escaped with his army to the plague.
Civic and Diocesan Museum
To learn more about Montalcino territory also from the artistic profile, the Civic and Diocesan Museum is a must see. Located in the former convent of Sant'Agostino, next to the church, the museum offers one of the most important collections of art in the province of Siena, preserving works of medieval art, modern and archaeological finds from the city and its surroundings.
... and then the Brunello
In addition to the historical events today Montalcino is famous worldwide for its fine wine: the Brunello. Made from Sangiovese grapes, the Brunello takes its name from its dark color and can only be produced in the area of Montalcino. Besides the Brunello, you can taste other wines of the territory during a fascinating guided tour in one of the many wineries.