MONTALCINO, SIENA. TRAVEL GUIDE, attractions, sights, Tourism, Tourist attractions, what to see, what to visit, what to do, where to stay, climate, Cuisine, Accomodations, Hotels and Accommodation, Budget Hotels and Hostels, Airports and Flights, geographical map, HOTELS, HOSTELS, BUDGET HOTELS, ROOMS, BED AND BREAKFAST, GUEST HOUSES, APARTMENTS, ACCOMMODATIONS, history, information, maps, photos TUSCANY, ITALY

MONTALCINO
Abbey of Sant'Antimo: Outside
Abbey of Sant'Antimo: Inside

Montalcino is found on a high hill between Ombrone and the Ace Valleys at 564 amsl. From Siena are about 40 km, along the SS. Cassia in direction of Rome. A few km after Buonconvento turns to the right following the indications for Montalcino.

Via Ricasoli, Montalcino, on the background the towers of the Rocca.

The first historical document that indicates the existence of Montalcino was written in 814 when it was under the administration of the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. In 13th century the town was contended between Florence and Siena, the inhabitants sided with Florence, but after the senese victoria in Montaperti were submitted to Siena. In the following years Montalcino rebelled for two times to the senese rule and because of that, Siena in 1361 built a rocca guarded by own military forces. In 1525 the city resisted to the troops of Clement VII and in 1553 to the imperial soldiers. It was here that a group of sienese exiles, with leader Peter Strozzi, were withdrawn after the fall of the Sienese Republic, in this short period was coined also a own currency. In 1559 also Montalcino was submitted to the Spanish troops.

The visit of Montalcino is interesting, between its monuments undoubtedly stands the Rocca built in 14th century. Other attractive monuments are the Communal Palace or dei Priori (14th century), the Church of Sant'Egidio or Sienese (1325), the gothic romanesque church of Sant'Agostino (14th century) with the Seminary and the Diocesan Museum, the Church and the convent of San Francesco, the Spedale di Santa Maria of the Cross and the Castellana Source. Of interest it's also the town walls with its six gates. The Cathedral of San Salvatore was instead built in 19th century.

Bell tower of the gothic-romanesque Church of Sant'Agostino (14th century), Montalcino.

The inner courtyard of Palazzo Pieri or Lovatelli (16th century), Montalcino. Here it had residence between 1555 and 1559 the French garrison, envoyed, from the emperor Enrico II, in aid of the " Republic of Siena in Montalcino".

The facade of the gothic-romanesque Church of Sant'Agostino (14th century) with a beautiful rose-window over the doorway, Montalcino.

Church of Sant'Egidio o Sienese (1325), Montalcino.

Montalcino is the land of one of the most famous Tuscany wines, the Brunello di Montalcino. This wine has been decorated of maximum acknowledgment DOCG “denomination of the origin controlled and guaranteed” from July 1980. The Brunello is a wine that is made with the sangiovese grape, a classic grape of Italy. There are three types of wines of Brunello: Red of Montalcino, Brunello of Montalcino and Brunello of Montalcino reserves.