A Guide to Montalcino

This delightful town has hardly changed since the sixteenth century and is typical in its medieval Tuscan appearance: a network of narrow streets, surrounding walls, and the castle Poggio alle Mura. Montalcino is known for its excellent restaurants which can of course be accompanied by some of the best wine in Italy. The surrounding countryside is a blanket of olive groves and vineyards which have assigned Montalcino a prestigious position amongst Italian wine producers.

The Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, being amongst the well known names, are exported throughout the world. The nearby abbeys of Sant’Antimo and Monte Oliveto are wonderful attractions. Within the town the Museo Civico has an extraordinary collection of Sienese art from the XII and XIV, including one of the oldest works from Siena in existence.

The town still hosts a selection of traditional festivals including a tournament for the opening of the hunting season and the Festival of the Thrush which includes an extravagant processions in period costume and local gastronomy.