Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s known for its vino nobile red wine. The Torre di Pulcinella is a clock tower topped by a figure of the Pulcinella, a commedia dell’arte character. On the Piazza Grande is the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale, with a tower offering views of the surrounding countryside. Also here is the Duomo, with a huge triptych above its altar.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Ready to plan your trip to Montepulciano? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top destinations in Montepulciano

Acquaviva di Montepulciano
1. Acquaviva di Montepulciano
Most popular based on reviews
Check out Teatro dei Concordi and more
Valiano
3. Valiano
0% as popular as Acquaviva di Montepulciano
Sant'Albino
4. Sant'Albino
0% as popular as Acquaviva di Montepulciano
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Top attractions in Montepulciano

Piazza Grande
1. Piazza Grande
4.7
(202)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Very nice, worth to visit…..the only point is that in summer is very hot…..but Montepulciano is a must
Charming public square in Montepulciano -- go up into the tower of the Palazzo Comunale for one of the best views of the Valdichiana
Beautiful historical center of the central. Must visit day and evening.
Piazza Grande in Montepulciano may be small, but it’s truly a Tuscan gem. It offers a stunning view of the historic town hall, surrounded by charming Renaissance buildings, and from the square, you can wander into the quaint, atmospheric streets typical of this beautiful region. A must-visit for lovers of history, architecture, and wine alike — Montepulciano will surely capture your heart.
Very beautiful place and the souvenir shop sells Twilight: New Moon merchandise.
Piazza Grande is the heart of Montepulciano, a stunning medieval square surrounded by Renaissance architecture, including the Palazzo Comunale and Duomo of Montepulciano. Its origins date back to the 14th century, and it has long been a symbol of civic pride and Tuscan elegance. Film fans will recognize it as a key location in Twilight: New Moon, where the dramatic Volturi scenes were shot - adding a cinematic layer to its timeless beauty. Whether you're here for the history or the Hollywood connection, Piazza Grande is a must-see in southern Tuscany.
Montepulciano is a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s known for its vino nobile red wine. The Torre di Pulcinella is a clock tower topped by a figure of the Pulcinella, a commedia dell’arte character. On the Piazza Grande is the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale, with a tower offering views of the surrounding countryside. Also here is the Duomo, with a huge triptych above its altar.
Montepulciano’s Piazza Grande is a solid mix of history, Renaissance architecture, and tourists trying to find the perfect selfie angle. The main attraction? Aside from the impressive Palazzo Comunale and the cathedral, it’s the town’s famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - a red wine 🍷so well regarded that even popes were fans. It was also the filmed location for the Vampire series - Twilight. 🧛 Climb the town hall tower for a great view (if you don’t mind the steps), or just grab a glass of Vino Nobile and enjoy the square from ground level. Either way, it’s worth the visit, just be ready for some uphill walking.
Avignonesi Winery Fattoria Le Capezzine
2. Avignonesi Winery Fattoria Le Capezzine
4.5
(273)
Winery
Food & Drink
Expansive winery surrounded by rolling hills, offering tours & tastings, plus food pairings.
Slide 1 of 8
I had an amazing tour and tasting experience. The guide shared the knowledge and passion of the winery history. We also got to taste their best wine. Such an interesting and rich winery. Thank you very much✨✨
We had a great visit to this beautiful winery. I would highly recommend it for a visit. We had a private tour, got to see some of the wine making process which was very interesting. Then we had a tasting which was 4 of the wines, all were delicious and were the top of the line wines. The only reason I did not give a 5 star was the price - it was over 100 euros for the tour and tasting which was a little pricey.
Absolutely amazing afternoon spent at Avignonesi for my 40th birthday. Food and wines were divine and service impeccable. Couldn't have asked for a more picturesque location.
I was familiar with winery & its wines before visiting but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed my visit with lunch and tasting. The tour is very detailed and not rushed at all, well done to our host, Marina, who was very well informed. The lunch was excellent and abundant and paired with many of their superb wines!
Great experience of tour & wine tasting. We tried luxury editions of biodynamic wines with great home made breads. The whole experience isn’t cheap, as well as the wine, but personally we were looking for high-end wine choices.
Pretty nice and quiet winery. Sitting inside so there’s no view while tasting the wines. The staff was very proffesional, explained nice about the wines and winemaking process. Wines at all the price levels. I recommande to take a bottle and skip the wine tasting.
We had a lovely experience with Priscilla! We booked a tour and tasting, and she was so kind and knowledgable. I was drawn to this place for its commitment to sustainability (and I love biodynamic winemaking!). As a Biology teacher, I was even more excited to learn that Avignonese participates in research! I loved learning about the experiments in their circular vineyard, La Tonda, and their findings in vine training and plant density. The vineyards and winery are beautiful and the wines are stunning. These facilities are quite large in terms of production scale, but that doesn’t take away from their charm. The Vin Santo and In Grande Annate were our tasting highlights!
Absolutely beautiful vineyard. They’ve got quite a few different vines and especially the desert wine making process is long and meticulous (and very expensive!) Do try their balsamic as well it was one of the best tasting balsamic vinegar I’ve had. The brunch was 100+ euro per person with wine pairing and the food was very delicious, one of the best meals I’ve had. The food was better than the wine. There wasn’t one specific OH MY GOD bottle that stood out to me and I did not find an oaked red that I was hoping they had so in general, understanding the wine process and their history was good enough for the tour :) amazing view and beautiful vineyard, HIGHLY RECOMMEND their brunch!
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio
3. Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio
4.6
(2466)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
A cypress-lined road leads to this 16th-century domed church overlooking the countryside.
Slide 1 of 8
In the heart of Tuscany, nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards, lies the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio. This ancient church is perched atop a hill, overlooking the quaint town of Montepulciano, and has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for centuries. Legend has it that the sanctuary was built in the early 16th century after a shepherd boy had a vision of the Virgin Mary on this very spot. The boy claimed that she appeared to him in a bright light and spoke to him, telling him to build a church in her honor. The shepherd boy, along with the help of the townspeople, constructed the sanctuary, and it has been a sacred place ever since. As you approach the sanctuary, the first thing you notice is the grand staircase leading up to the entrance. The steps are made of marble and adorned with intricate carvings of angels and saints. At the top of the staircase, two massive wooden doors stand tall, welcoming all who come to visit. Once inside, the beauty of the sanctuary takes your breath away. The walls are painted in soft pastel colors, and the ceiling is adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. The altar is the centerpiece of the church, with a statue of the Madonna di San Biagio standing proudly in the center. The statue is said to have miraculous healing powers, and many come to pray for loved ones who are sick or in need of help. The sanctuary is also home to a small chapel, where visitors can light candles and offer prayers. The walls of the chapel are lined with small plaques, each one a testament to a prayer answered. The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility, and it is easy to see why people come from all over the world to seek solace in this sacred place. As you wander around the sanctuary, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The intricate details of the architecture, the beautiful artwork, and the peaceful atmosphere all come together to create a truly special place. It is no wonder that the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio has become a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. As the sun sets over the Tuscan countryside, the sanctuary takes on a whole new level of beauty. The warm glow of the setting sun illuminates the church, making it look as if it is glowing from within. It is a sight that will stay with you forever. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is not just a church; it is a sacred place that holds a special meaning for all who visit. It is a place of peace, hope, and faith, and it will continue to be a beacon of light for generations to come.
Magnificent sanctuary of Renaissance art built between 1518 and 1545, made of blond stone and with harmonious lines, is attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, one of the finest architects of the period. The Temple of San Bagio was built away from the city, in a verdant valley, on the site of an ancient early Christian church dedicated to Mary. This location, in the heart of a superb landscape, underscores its grandeur. The origins of this church are linked to a miraculous event that occurred on April 23, 1518, when two servants, Antilia and Camilla, and a peasant named Toto, passing by a fresco depicting the Virgin and Child and Saint Francis, saw the Virgin open and close her eyes, as if she were alive. The central Greek cross plan of the Temple is crowned by a dome on a drum. The architecture of the bell tower plays on alternating forms : decreasing heights, straight lines and curves ; it is topped by an eight-sided pyramid. The solemn interior houses, near the high altar, a lectern made by Giannozzo and Lisandro di Pietro Albertini in 1584, as well as, in the niches, statues of saints sculpted by Ottaviano Lazzarini in 1617. Pope Leo X himself came to inaugurate this monumental church, conceived as an ancient temple, and considered one of the most accomplished achievements of Christian architecture of the Tuscan Renaissance. The presbytery in front of the church was also designed by Sangallo and built around 1550 and is characterized by a double loggia. The well in front of the building was erected between 1550 and 1551 and originally had two columns with a travertine architrave. In short, a 16th-century Tuscan masterpiece not to be missed during a visit to Montepulciano.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio (Tempio di San Biagio) is a truly charming and peaceful place. We didn’t go inside as there was a €5 entrance fee, but even from the entrance area, the beauty of the structure and its surroundings was clear. The view over the Tuscan hills is absolutely stunning and adds to the special atmosphere of the site. Parking was simple and accessible, making the visit smooth and pleasant. A lovely and worthwhile stop, even for a short visit.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is absolutely stunning and a must-visit when in Montepulciano! This Renaissance masterpiece is over 500 years old, and standing before it, you can truly feel the weight of that incredible history. The church’s architecture is breathtaking – from its elegant travertine facade to its perfectly proportioned design, it’s a testament to the artistry and devotion of another era. The setting is equally magnificent, sitting gracefully just outside the town with beautiful views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this sanctuary delivers on every level. Don’t miss this gem – it’s one of those places that reminds you why Tuscany is so special. An unforgettable experience!
The admission to the church is 3.5 euros, and it includes a 20 minutes audio guide, which is well worth it. If you stand in the middle of the circle on the ground and clap, only you would hear it echos back for 20 times :)
We had opted for the little red golf cart Montepulciano tour and unfortunately our first stop was right when the church had closed, so rather than be smug about it, we bellied up to the little cafe/bar on the corner and enjoyed the views from outside. Another amazing church in Italy.
Beautiful sanctuary! Worth a visit! Entrance is around e euros per person.
They have a break/lunch in the middle of the day. Ticket 5 eur
Ercolani Cellars - "Underground City" and Museum
4. Ercolani Cellars - "Underground City" and Museum
4.8
(1583)
Wine store
Food & Drink
Slide 1 of 8
We had an excellent experience visiting this winery! The tour was fascinating and very well organized, with clear explanations about the different types of wine and the winemaking process. At the end, we got to enjoy a tasting of 4–5 different wines, all for free – which was such a pleasant surprise. There was absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but honestly, their wines are so good that it’s worth getting a few bottles to take home. Highly recommended!
We joined the free underground guided tour through the wine cellar, and it was very nice, interesting experience. Our female guide has knowledge and enthusiasm sharing information about the town’s history. She also described both the production of their various wines and the unique ways they are aged and stored. It was also very nice to see (on short movie) how the barrels are cleaned. Our tour ended with a free tasting of their own 5 wines, served with delicious local snacks. Every wine was excellent. I highly recommend! Very nice experience and fulfillment of visiting Montepulciano.
Very informative and interesting tour. Very knowledgeable staff who knows their wine and cheese. Excellent and fascinating tour and no pressure to buy. I have purchased a selection of their wines and can confirm that it's delicious. Sangiovese has long been a favourite wine of mine but understanding it and drinking it in its home environment is special.
My wife and I did the “Montepulciano Special” tour and wine tasting. The underground city is a cool tour where our guide kindly walked us through the wine making process, how it differs for the different wines, and showed us their many barrels. The underground city even has an old Etruscan tomb in it. After the tour we went to a beautifully renovated arcade area where we were served tasty local specialties as we sipped on a generous number of wines and vin santo as our guide described their differences. They gave us a sheet for notes that also had prices for each bottle on it, which made it easier to order a case. Prices included shipping to the US. You can order any mix of bottles in a case. Great experience. They do offer free tastings if you walk in as well.
I love this opperation. There is no shortage of wine spots in the area but they offer free tours in English and Italian. The tour is really cool, informative and not too long. After the tour they gave us a tasting of 7 wines and sampling of food they sell. We had a big group and they did an amazing job catering to the group. Our tour guide Orsolina was amazing and funny. We ended up buying a case because we enjoyed the wine and wanted to share with friends in the States... but they don't pressure you to buy. It's a great experience for any wine lover
The best free activity to do in town. The odds were on our favor this day. We decided to spend the day here with the intention of leaving at a certain time to watch the sunset from another town. Yada yada yada - we ended up watching the sunset here instead. That’s how we ended up doing the last tour. We had just finished watching the sunset where that piece of Dalí is. We were walking back in to the city center when we saw people lingering at the entrance. Turns out we had just made it in time for the last tour of the day. The vibes were right as soon as we walked in. There were some Filipinos working. We really do be everywhere. Orsolina led us downstairs where she proceeded to give us one of the best tours I’ve ever joined. She was informative, engaging and so funny. We all loved the anecdotes. She kept asking if we understood her diction which was funny cos she spoke English better than native speakers. The tour itself was super fun. We all learned so much. The tour ended upstairs in their tasting room where we were all given a one person charcuterie board that had the tastiest goodies. I ate it all and then some. I ended up drinking my sister’s serving since she’s not a drinker. My friends ended up buying oil and some vino. My sister got a whole case that she had shipped back home. Highly recommended. Would for sure partake the next time I’m in town.
Amazing place with very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate people. In the free tour the owner told us about the history of the town and made it very engaging with quizzes where you won little prizes such as a small bottle of their wine. Then we were shown around the underground area and explained by the very knowledgeable young woman how their different wines were made which was very interesting. I was surprised at how much history there was and how complex some of the processes could be. Then we got a chance to taste 5 different wines they made with some delicious local snacks. We ended up buying many bottles because the wines were so exceptional, but there was no pressure at all from the staff to buy anything (although of course in my opinion it would be rude not to after a free tour). Overall easily one of the beat experiences in our Tuscany holiday and I would highly recommend.
A really wonderful place to have a free tasting of the local wines, spices & dips. They give you a little food pairing too which was wonderful! You can go for no charge to the underground area which is huge! Layers of artifacts, wine barrels, a tomb etc. Fun to see & worth a tour! Highly recommend this wine shop.
Contucci
5. Contucci
4.4
(301)
Winery
Food & Drink
Family-run winery & cellars with Renaissance origins in a historic square offering tastings & tours.
Slide 1 of 8
If you’re visiting Montepulciano, make sure to stop by Piazza Grande, where you’ll find one of the town’s traditional wineries with historic underground cellars, where the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano matures. The visit to the cellars is free of charge and definitely worth your time – you’ll walk through centuries-old tunnels where the wine ages in oak barrels. After the tour, you can enjoy a tasting of a wide selection of wines, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to explain everything and help you choose the perfect bottle or souvenir from this beautiful region. It’s a wonderful way to experience the local wine culture and take home a true taste of Montepulciano.
Our favourite winery in Montepulciano! Amazing wines, a wonderful family, a beautiful palazzo and a fascinating history of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. They still do the production in the palazzo in the Centro Storico.
Self guided tour was excellent. No reservation necessary. Lots to see, today not crowded. At end or tour you can sample Rosso di Montepulciano, if interested in purchasing they let you sample three of their Nobile selections. We weren't purchasing so we went to the cantina where we were greeted warmly by Giacomo. We purchased the flight of five wines and charcuterie, they even had very good gluten free bread for my wife; with local oil of course. The Pecorino we had today trumped, by far, the four or more other places we have visited from San Gimignao, Monteriggioni and Montalcino. Favorite wine of the tasting, the Reserva of course. The Palazzo Contucci was a very good blend of the Mulinvecchio and Pietra Rossa. We have officially added Nobile to our list of wines to continue to learn about and enjoy.
We visited Contucci in their cellar right in the center of town. The experience was interesting, but similar to many wineries in the area. The wines are good, but not exceptional — certainly worth a visit if you’re in town, but not the highlight of the region. 🍷
The store clerk was very friendly and provided great service. She also recommended me three different red wines, which were really delicious. Thank you.
In the wine shop they don't offer paid tastings. You can sample one wine and then you have to purchase a bottle in order to try two more. Prices from 20-40€ per bottle. You can go upstairs for a full tasting and food in their cafe.
The oldest wineries in the area and it’s so wonderful. You can walk in on your own and then go to the tasting upstairs. If you know the time you’ll be in the area you can plan a tour and stay.
Absolutely worth a visit if you are spending a day in Montepulciano. We walked in and were told to tour the cellars at our own pace. A beautiful space and all the better when you can take your time and snap a few pics! We stopped into the entrance room where we received an extensive tasting (available for free if you interested in purchasing one or more bottles!). Ariana was very sweet and took her time explaining the differences between the wines and all the vino nobiles were delicious!! Walked away with a half dozen bottles and a great experience.
Cathedral Saint Mary Of The Assumption
6. Cathedral Saint Mary Of The Assumption
4.4
(507)
Temporarily Closed
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
⛪ Relatively small cathedral but so beatiful. Padua Cathedral, or Basilica Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Italian: Duomo di Padova; Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and the cathedral located on the east end of Piazza Duomo, adjacent to the Bishop's palace, in Padua, region of Veneto, Italy. The cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is the seat of the bishop of Padua. The church building, first erected as seat of a bishop of the diocese in the 4th century, has undergone major reconstructions over the centuries. The present church is the third structure built on the same site. The first cathedra was erected after the Edict of Milan in 313 and destroyed by an earthquake on 3 January 1117. It was rebuilt in Romanesque style: the appearance of that medieval church can be seen in the frescoes by Giusto de' Menabuoi in the adjoining baptistery. The current building dates from a reconstruction during the sixteenth century. While in the past the design was attributed to Michelangelo, it was performed rather by Andrea della Valle and Agostino Righetto, and has much in common with earlier Paduan churches. Construction began on the new Renaissance building in 1551 and went on for two centuries, being completed in 1754, yet leaving the façade unfinished. ⛪ Diğerleri ile karşılaştırdığımızda biraz küçük bir katedral ama çok güzel.
Compared to many Duomos in Tuscany, this one was a bit disappointing. The altarpiece was gone. In its place went a canvas, possibly due to restoration work, on which you could see what it looked like. For me the best thing about this Duomo was the contrast, the outside and the inside
One of the places you will need to visit when in town. Really nice church ⛪️
Nothing to see here. But there was a Christmas market which was super cute.
It's a very boring church compared to other Italian churches I've seen (Duomo in Siena and Orvieto etc.).
If I am right, the whole piazza was part of the new moon bella & Edward Vampire Saga. The piazza had its own unique charm.
Interesting, historical and special building in the middle of the city center of Montepulciano. We visited this beautiful city in September 2021. The Dom and the square where it is located, fit in the scenery of the city. We didn’t went inside… .
If you are climbing to the top of town for this - don’t bother. Facade was never finished. The interior decoration was never started. A massive space with the right hand side the most interesting.

Other notable attractions

Talosa - Cantina Storica
Winery
Food & Drink
De' Ricci Cantine Storiche in Montepulciano
Winery
Food & Drink
Tours & wine tastings in a soaring underground space with vaulted ceilings & exposed brick walls.
Fattoria Pulcino Ristorante
Italian restaurant
Farm
Gattavecchi Winery
Tuscan restaurant
Italian restaurant
Tasting menus of imaginative Tuscan cuisine at a winery with medieval cellars & valley views.
Comune di Montepulciano
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
TENUTA VALDIPIATTA
Winery
Food & Drink
Azienda Agricola Poliziano
Winery
Food & Drink
Chiesa di Sant'Agostino
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Boscarelli
Winery
Food & Drink
Icario Winery
Winery
Food & Drink

Top searches in Montepulciano

Slide 1 of 1

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Montepulciano?

Get inspired for your trip to Montepulciano with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Weather in Montepulciano

Here's the historical average temperature in Montepulciano over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Montepulciano in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Montepulciano
Ready to plan your trip to Montepulciano?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Montepulciano