Montalcino
Seated on top of the picturesque Italian hills, the little town of Montalcino is rightfully considered a heavenly destination for wine lovers and medieval architecture fans.
The 360° scenic panorama
The hill town is located on the west side of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Orcia Valley. Its territory has been inhabited since Etruscan times. The name Montalcino derives from the Latin 'mons ilcinus' (holm-oak mountain) due to the oak trees covering the terrain. People come here for the magnificent views of green Tuscan valleys, olive orchards, vineyards, fields and villages that the hill town offers.
The vibe of a pristine medieval village
The town has scarcely changed since the 16th century. Montalcino is still surrounded by its original defensive walls. There are 3 entrances to the town: Porta Murelli to the north, Porta Castellana to the east and Porta Cervara to the south. The most prominent example of medieval architecture is a fortress of the pentagon shape. The fort was built in 1361 to mark the passage of Montalcino under the domination of Siena. Today it hosts various festivals, concerts and events, such as the famous Jazz & Wine Festival held in July.
Don't miss the Abbey of Sant'Antimo
Located about 10 km from Montalcino, Abbazia di Sant'Antimo is definitely worth visiting. The construction of the modern Romanesque church began in about 1118. The monastery played a significant role in European pilgrimage routes. It served as a shelter for pilgrims and provided assistance for them which made the church one of the most important monasteries of Tuscany. The abbey welcomes the guests with its modest façade which seems incomplete. But you'll be surprised how impressive the interior is with its round arches and columns carved with human, animal and flower motifs.
World's famous Brunello red wine
Montalcino is celebrated for one of the most appreciated Italian wines. The precious formula of the fantastic Brunello was invented in 1888 by Ferruccio Biondi Santi, and its delicate taste has become beloved all over the world ever since. Amongst the most renowned wine producers in the area are Biondi-Santi, Schidione and Banfi.
Thus, Montalcino is an ideal place to observe rolling hills of vineyards, take a relaxing walk through medieval streets and savor Brunello in local wine bars.
