Montepulciano
Vino Nobile, Renaissance palaces and long views over the Val di Chiana, all on one ridge in southern Tuscany.
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Montepulciano is a hill town in the province of Siena, in southern Tuscany. Its historic center sits on a long ridge above the Val di Chiana, and most of it is closed to cars, so you reach the main square on foot. Visitors come for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a red wine made from a local clone of Sangiovese, and for Renaissance buildings including the Palazzo Comunale on Piazza Grande and the cathedral. Wine shops and cellars sit along many streets in the center.
A slow trip built around wine, food and walks suits the town best. One or two nights covers the center, a cellar visit and a day trip to Montalcino, a short drive away. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when the heat is lower and walking is easier. Summer is hot and busy, and winter is quieter.
Montepulciano in five
- Walk the main street slowlyThe town climbs steeply along one main street, with wine cellars on both sides. Start at the lower gate and finish in Piazza Grande; wear shoes with grip.
- Taste Vino Nobile in a cellarMany cellars offer tastings under the town. Ask for small pours and check the opening hours of each, since many close in the early afternoon.
- See the Tempio di San BiagioA short walk below town, this Renaissance church stands alone among the fields. Check the site for visiting hours, and combine it with a sunset walk.
- Choose a car or a bus planThe nearest mainline station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, about a half hour away by bus or taxi. A car frees you to see Pienza and the Val d'Orcia, but parking in town is limited.
- Pair it with MontalcinoMontalcino is a short drive away, so the two hill towns work together in a two-night wine trip. Keep a designated driver for estate visits.Montalcino travel guide
Things to do in Montepulciano
See all attractions in Montepulciano
Need to know
- Airport
- Florence (FLR) or Rome Fiumicino (FCO), about 2–2.5 hours
- Getting there
- Train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, then bus or taxi; or drive
- Getting around
- Walking in town (steep); a car for the countryside
- Best base
- Inside the walls, or at a farm stay nearby
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchSpring
- AprilGreen, quiet
- MayMild, flowers
- JuneWarm
- JulyHot, festivals
- AugustHot, busy
- SeptemberHarvest
- OctoberHarvest, mild
- NovemberWet
- DecemberCold, lights
Right now in Montepulciano
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
8
- Feels like
- 5°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 25 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 8%
Montepulciano
09:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today13°7°8%Monday: Cloudy. High 13°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Tue14°6°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed14°6°24%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Thu15°7°21%Thursday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 21%.
- Fri11°7°55%Friday: Rain. High 11°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Sat14°8°50%Saturday: Rain. High 14°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 50%.
- Sun15°6°28%Sunday: Fog. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 28%.
Updated 06:49 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- Apr–JunMaggio Musicale FiorentinoFlorence, a day trip
- Jun–JulFestival dei Due MondiSpoleto, a day trip
- Jun–SepSaracen JoustArezzo, a day trip
- JulUmbria Jazz FestivalPerugia, a day trip
Before you go to Montepulciano
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Rules for Montepulciano, checked
- Most non-EU visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. Check entry rules on the Italian visa site before you book.Source
- Dial 112 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Italy.
- Check with the Italian Ministry of Culture before you buy antiques, since some need an export licence to leave the EU.Source
- Restaurants may add a cover charge (coperto) and a service charge, so check the bill before you add a tip.
Plan around Montepulciano
Brunello wine and an abbey nearby
Read the guideOrvietoA cathedral city across the Umbrian border
Read the guideLago TrasimenoUmbria's lake, a short drive south
Read the guideArezzoA Tuscan city with frescoes
Read the guideAll of ItalyCities, coasts, lakes and the Alps
Read the guideIs a Eurail pass worth it?Compare point-to-point tickets first
Read the guideMontepulciano FAQ
Is Montepulciano worth visiting?
Yes for a Tuscan hill town with a steep main street, wine cellars and views. It is smaller than Siena or Florence, so one night is enough, and it pairs well with Montalcino or Pienza.
How do I get to Montepulciano by train?
Take a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme on the Florence to Rome line, then a bus or taxi up to town, roughly half an hour. Check bus timetables before you book, since services are limited.
Montepulciano or Montalcino for wine?
Choose Montepulciano for Vino Nobile and cellars on the main street, and Montalcino for Brunello and estate visits. They are a short drive apart, so a car trip can include both.
Is Montepulciano hard to walk?
The main street climbs steadily and the lanes are cobbled, so wear good shoes and take your time. Buses and parking near the gates help if stairs are a problem.
What is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
A red wine from the area around the town, made mainly from Sangiovese grapes. Many cellars in town offer tastings; check opening hours, and use a driver or taxi if you plan to visit estates.