If you want to feel the color of Tuscan life in full, you should visit the town of Montalcino. It is located on a picturesque hill. As well as its neighbor, Montepulciano, it is famous for its wine traditions. The most well-known local wine is Brunello di Montalcino. This is one of the best and, no surprise, most expensive Italian wines. It was the first to be honored with the most upscale quality certificate DOGG. Wine, which is kept in oak barrels for at least three years and a half, has a rich, a bit harsh taste.
Numerous wine shops and small restaurants of the town give an excellent opportunity to sample Tuscan wines and Tuscan cuisine as well.
If that's not only gastronomic indulgence what you care for, go to the curtain wall, which surrounds the town. As Montalcino is located on a high hill (564 meters above the sea level), there is a fascinating scenery of the valley of the Ombrone and Asso rivers from it. There used to be nineteen towers on the defensive wall, but time has preserved only some of them. However, the atmosphere of past greatness never fades. The curtain wall of Montelciano is an outstanding example of military architecture.
There are some interesting medieval buildings in the town. For example, the old town hall (Palazzo Comunale), a grand stone construction of the end of the XIII century, is decorated with coats of arms and is crowned with a high tower. There is an arcade (Loggiati di Piazza del Popolo) nearby, which is an example of the XIV-XV centuries architecture. The main Cathedral was erected in the period of Middle Ages on the place of an old church of the XI century. After restoration, held in the XIX century, it got neoclassical appearance.
The building of St Augustine Abbey houses the Museum of Montalcino. It has exhibitions of Siena school paintings, medieval sculptures, a collection of sacred clothes, and archaeological displays. This is one of the most important museums in Siena province.
Once a year, on the last October Sunday, history revitalizes in the streets of Montalcino. This is the time of the archers tournament simulation, which resembles medieval hunt for wild boars. A long procession of town residents in fancy costumes is accompanied by music and dances of the folk band “Trescone”.
No doubt, your trip to Montalcino will be an unforgettable experience.
