Montepulciano – a medieval and Renaissance hill town in Italy
Montepulciano is an Italian city situated in southern Tuscany. Today the town has about 14.000 inhabitants. It is located at an altitude of over 600 m and is built in the hills on a narrow limestone ridge. In the center of Montepulciano, you can visit many churches and Renaissance palaces, which were built with the participation of Florentine architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. The city is also famous for its local wine – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is one of the best wines in Tuscany.
Among the most valuable sights in Montepulciano you can find Sant’Agostino church or ancient gate Porta al Prato. On the Piazza Grande there is the Gothic palace Palazzo Comunale from 14th century. From its tower you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings. Other palaces worth visiting are Palazzo Neri-Orselli, which is now a museum and a gallery, or the Palazzo del Monte Cantucci from 16th century. Not far from the center of the town you can visit a church of Santa Lucia. On the slope below the town of Montepulciano there is situated Renaissance pilgrim church of San Biagio, built by Antonio da Sangallo. In its interior you can see the original artistic decoration.
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