Famous throughout the world for its exquisite Brunello wine, the medieval village of Montalcino is one of the landmarks of the Val d’Orcia.
Behind mighty defensive walls lies a charming historic center characterized by parallel pedestrian streets set on various levels against the hillside with stairways connecting them in a continuous up and down of narrow streets, among which one can discover breathtaking views and architectural gems.
Prominent among these are the 13th-century Palazzo Comunale, topped by its high bell tower, the 14th-century church of Sant’Agostino, the neoclassical cathedral and Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, Sant’Egidio, and the Palazzo dei Priori in Piazza del Popolo, the seat of the town council with its tall clock tower.
Moving only a short distance from the town of Montalcino, one also encounters sacred places such as the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, dating from the 12th century and considered among the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, and a series of paths through the countryside and vineyards that lead to the beautiful villages of Torrenieri, Sant’Angelo in Colle and Poggio alle Mura.
One of the most fun and unusual activities you can do in the autumn in the countryside around Montalcino is to join a truffle and porcini mushroom hunting expedition.
