Free walking tours in Montepulciano and what to see

Must-sees

Montepulciano sits on a long ridge between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia, in the south of the province of Siena. Its main street, the Corso, climbs from the town gate between Renaissance palazzi to Piazza Grande, the heart of the town. Here stand the cathedral, with its unfinished façade, the Palazzo Comunale, with its crenellated tower overlooking both valleys, and the Well of the Griffins and Lions.

Beneath many of those palazzi lie cellars dug into the tuff, with tunnels and brick vaults where the local Vino Nobile ages. Outside the walls, at the foot of the hill, is the church of San Biagio, by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, a Greek-cross church of pale stone surrounded by cypresses. Film fans will recognise Piazza Grande as a set for New Moon, from the Twilight saga.

Free tours and guided visits

Montepulciano has no regular free walking tours, but there are plenty of organised visits. You can take a tour of the New Moon film locations, hop on the sightseeing bus or visit the wine cellars in the centre with a tasting. Trips also leave from the town combining it with Pienza, tours of the Etruscan museums of Tuscany and an outing to Cetona and San Casciano dei Bagni.

How long to spend

To walk up the Corso, see Piazza Grande, visit a cellar and go down to San Biagio, allow a full day, taken slowly because the hills are steep. If you stay here, with two or three days you can tour the Val d'Orcia: Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia and Montalcino are close by, and the Lake of Montepulciano is a good walk for birdwatching.

Where to stay

The historic centre has small hotels, guesthouses and apartments in old palazzi, ideal for an evening stroll, although with steep streets and limited car access. On the slopes and in the countryside there are agriturismi among the vineyards with views. Sant'Albino, by the thermal baths, and the lower part of the municipality offer more practical options with parking.