WHAT TO DO IN MONTEPULCIANO… IF YOU HAVE A WHOLE DAY
A whole day allows you to get to know the town a bit better, making a small diversion outside the walls to visit the Temple of San Biagio (visit with the ticket), spend time wandering around the Crociani Civic Museum-Picture Gallery and taking the time to look inside a couple of monumental cellars. The detailed explanation of the “coloured” or numbered itineraries can be found in the section “itineraries in the Historical Town Centre”.
ROUTE 2 – GREEN, ORANGE, YELLOW
For this walking tour, we recommend entering the town through Porta al Prato, following the same directions given for ROUTE 1 as far as Piazza Grande.
From the square, walk down past the medieval Palazzo del Capitano, arriving in Via Ricci, seat of the building of the same name (Palazzo Ricci) and its monumental cellar.
On the right is Palazzo Neri Orselli, with the original Gothic façade, home to the Crociani Picture Gallery and Civic Museum. We strongly recommend visiting this museum, because it tells you about the origins of Montepulciano and its artistic progress over the centuries, in a fascinating itinerary which, starting from the town’s Etruscan and Roman origins, comprises medieval ecclesiastic works and Renaissance paintings, as well as the 17th and 18th century portrait collection. There is also a very interesting section of 16th century terracotta works by the Della Robbia sculptors.
The creators of works on display include famous names like Margaritone d’Arezzo (Saint Francis, 13th century), Benvenuto di Giovanni (Nativity, panel painting), Antonio Bazzi, known as Sodoma (Holy Family with Saint Giovannino) and Andrea della Robbia.
There are also two recently attributed works: Saint Agnese, on canvas, by Domenico Beccafumi; and a portrait of a gentleman, attributed to Caravaggio.
http://www.museocivicomontepulciano.it/it
From Via Ricci, leaving behind the Old Town, you can walk down Via di San Biagio to the Temple of San Biagio (visit with the ticket). Example of Renaissance elegance and style, this big church was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, and is still one of the town’s symbols today.
The view from the Church is unique, with the hills of Val d’Orcia, the little village of Montefollonico and Val di Chiana.
The area of San Biagio is also a perfect starting point for setting out on other walking or cycling routes.
From the Church of San Biagio, you can easily return to the town centre, using the urban shuttle bus service. The service runs once an hour and stops in front of the Church (there is no service on Sunday mornings). If you want to walk to the Sant’Agnese area, you can take Via di Canneto. The route is about 2 km long and is not particularly difficult, apart from the last short uphill stretch.
