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From Montepulciano to Montalcino
This particular area of Tuscany is famous for its numerous cities of art,
for the production of red wine (Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di
Montepulciano) and for the beauty of the countryside. Visits to Pienza
are suggested, situated just 10 kilometres from Montepulciano, to
Monticchiello, to Bagno Vignoni famous for its unique urban layout,
where in fact in the very centre of town is a sulphur bath. Another
interesting town is San Quirico d’Orcia where it’s possibile to visit
the Italian gardens. Not far away is Montalcino, famous the world over
for the production of “brunello”, an excellent red wine, while just 10
kilometres further on is the splendid Monastery of Sant’Antimo where
every day visitors can participate in the mass, which is celebrated with
Gregorian chants. Another magnificent monastery well worth visiting is
the one in Monteoliveto Maggiore.
Umbria
Just 25 kilometres away from Villa Poggiano Tuscany borders with
Umbria, another splendid region located in the very heart of Italy. From
Montepulciano follow directions for Cortona, a city of art well worth a
visit, after which the road skirts Lago Trasimeno as far as Perugia,
Umbria’s main town, famous for the production of chocolate and cashmere.
In an area of just a few square kilometres it’s possible to visit the
towns of Assisi, Deruta, Todi, Spello, Spoleto and Orvieto.
Siena
Impossible not to visit Siena, which is also famous for the Palio,
held every year on 2 July and 16 August. Siena is 60 kilometres away
from Montepulciano and visitors should reserve at least a whole day for
visiting the Museums (Municipal Museum, Museo delle papesse, Santa Maria
della Scala, the Pinacoteca etc), the churches (the Cathedral, San
Domenico, San Francesco etc), the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the
Torre del Mangia.
Chianti
The Chianti region extends over an area between Siena and Florence
and is famous for its magnificent countryside, its wines and its
Medieval towns. Visits to Monteriggioni are also suggested, a Medieval
town where a historical pageant is held every year in the month of July;
to San Gimignano, known as the city of towers; and to Gaiole, Greve and
Radda.
Arezzo
Situated 50 kilometres from Montepulciano, Arezzo, an important town
of Etruscan origin, is characterised by a blend of Medieval and
Renaissance styles. Well worth seeing are the Piero della Francesca
frescoes, the Cathedral and the historical centre. Moreover the first
weekend of every month the streets of the town are lined with the stalls
of one of Italy’s most important antique fairs.
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