The culture of Montepulciano is deeply rooted in the city’s heritage and local traditions. From traditional events held in the city’s Piazza Grande to the notably medieval architecture of the city’s streets, travelers will find that every aspect of the city is based in culture and history.

Food and wine are an integral part of Montepulciano’s economy and culture. The city is a producer of top food products such as olive oil, pork, lentils, cheese, handmade pasta called pici, and honey. It is also a premiere producer of wine, particularly the DOC red wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made from the Sangiovese grape.

In addition to delicious cuisine, travelers can immerse in the city’s culture via Montepulciano’s art, architecture, and more.

ART

Montepulciano is a city rich in history and equally rich in amazing artwork. Art lovers will delight in the city’s treasured artworks, many of which are by famed artists of the Renaissance period.

The Museo Civico, or Municipal Museum, of Montepulciano is home to a variety of exquisite paintings from the eleventh to the fifteenth centuries. Some of the key works include Caravaggio’s Portrait of a Man, a portrait of St. Francis by Margaritone d’Arezzo, a nativity by Girolamo di Benevento, and terracotta pieces by Andrea della Robbia.

Many of the town’s buildings and churches contain great pieces of art and architectural features that in their own right can be considered art. The Church of Sant’Agostino contains works by artists such as Federico Barocci, Alessandro Allori, and Lorenzo di Credi as well as a crucifix which has been attributed to Donatello. Many of the palazzi feature historic frescoes and the city’s Duomo is home to a polyptych by Taddeo di Bartolo as well as a high altar decorated with statues.

ARCHITECTURE

The first notable architectural aspect of Montepulciano that travelers will see are the medieval walls which surround the town – a unique feature that helps the town feel directly out of the sixteenth century. In addition, there are a variety of medieval towers and castles. The architecture throughout the town’s churches, buildings, and monuments consists of a unique blend of medieval and Renaissance elements.

Historians believe that the town’s roots are of Etruscan and Roman origin, but the glory days of the city during the Middle Ages led architects and artists of the time to bring their influence to the city’s look and feel. The powerful Medici family helped bring Montepulciano to its heights and their influence is part of why the city’s architecture is so splendid.

That Renaissance aesthetic is still very much present today, as the city is home to a wonderful historic center, a wealth of opulent homes and structures, and a variety of architectural jewels such as churches, palaces, and town squares.

Some of the key architectural sites to visit in Montepulciano include the Palazzo Comunale – a palace built in the usual Tuscan and Florentine architectural style, the city’s Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) – the city’s most important religious structure which was built in the early seventeenth century, Santa Maria delle Grazie – a church featuring modest sixteenth century architecture, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio – a sixteenth century Tuscan style sanctuary with a dome, and the Chiesa di San Biago – a Renaissance church tucked in the valley outside town.

In addition, there are many palaces throughout the town that are all unique and historic in their own way. They include Palazzo Contucci, Palazzo Ricci, Palazzo di Bucelli, Palazzo Avignonesi, Palazzo Cervini, and Palazzo Tarugi.

LITERATURE

Montepulciano has a long history with literature, embedding it deep in the city’s culture. The city is the birthplace of Agnolo Ambrogini, also known as Poliziano, a poet who was one of the first Greek scholars. He was a popular writer of choice for the powerful Lorenzo di Medici and even taught the famous family’s children.

The most important literature-focused event held in Montepulciano is the annual Bruscello Festival. The event is a theatrical performance based on real historical events of the city’s past as well as fantasy events depicted in the city’s literature.

MUSIC

Montepulciano hosts an annual summer music, art, and festival called Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte. The festival is a celebration of all kinds of artistic expression, including music, and features performances all throughout the town.

Another music-focused festival held in Montepulciano is the Live Rock Festival. Held annually in September, it features performances by a variety of Italian and foreign bands.

In addition, the European Academy for Music and Performing Arts is located in Montepulciano, and Italian rock band Baustelle formed in Montepulciano in the mid-1990s.

SCIENCE

Archeologists and historians say that the city of Montepulciano dates back to as early as the third or fourth century BC, before the Etruscans. After the Etruscans, the area the city now occupies was ruled by the Romans. With this long history, the area surrounding Montepulciano is rich with archeological artifacts and historic heritage. A visit to the city’s Civic Museum can paint a detailed picture of these eras for travelers with Etruscan urns and Ancient Roman artifacts on display.

CINEMA

Montepulciano’s Piazza Grande served as a setting for New Moon (2009), which was the second installment of the Twilight movie series based on the books by Stephanie Meyer. Montepulciano was also the filming location for several episodes of Medici: Masters of Florence, a television series from 2016 to 2019.

Other movies that have been partially filmed in Montepulciano include Il Cristo proibito (1951), In nome del Papa Re (1977), The English Patient (1996), and Under the Tuscan Sun (2003).

Discover the secrets of the hilltop town of Montepulciano as you explore its cobblestoned streets. Along the way, travelers can admire medieval and Renaissance architecture, rich works of art, and fascinating archeological sights in addition to sampling the renowned local Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.