Montepulciano - Tuscany

Set atop a narrow limestone ridge and enclosed by thick stone walls, Montepulciano is one of Tuscany's most coveted destinations. Montepulciano is the highest of the Tuscan hill towns, affording it an unparalled view of the Val di Chiana. It lies only a few miles from Siena and is the perfect place to spend a few quiet days.

History
According to legend, Montepulciano was founded as a summer residence for the Etruscan kings of Rome, but the first mention of the city appears only in 715 AD. Its name comes from the Latin mons politianus, either because its lofty location made it the perfect station for a police garrison or simply because it was an urban (politianus) mountain (mons). Historically, Montepulciano was claimed by both Siena and Florence, and its medieval architectural history was almost entirely wiped out during many decades of fighting to gain supremacy. As a result, Montepulciano can claim some of the most renowned Renaissance Italian architects in its urban planning history-Sangallo among them. The poet and humanist known as Poliziano was also born in Montepulciano, so the residents of the town proudly refer to themselves as poliziani.

Sights
The centro storico, historical downtown, consists of the Piazza Grande, the main square with the rustic unfinished Duomo; the elegant Palace de' Nobili-Tauragi; the eccentric palace Contucci; and the austere Palace Comunale. The piazza is reached by following the Corso from the base of the hill, starting at the church of Saint Agnes. Saint Agnes is the patron saint of Montepulciano. Her church houses her relics on the central altar, as well as a delightful cloister from the original convent that she founded.

Montepulciano is famed for the local production of vino nobile di Montepulciano, which prompts wine aficionados to make the winding trek along the central corso in search of wine tastings. Also, every day the wine shops offer free samples of the wines they sell, so you can walk to all the wineries and have your own private wine tasting festival. Other attractions include the spectacular jazz festival in July at the artsy Caffè Poliziano or the amateur concerts that are performed every August 15th on the steps of the Duomo. Watch the Barrel Race the last Sunday of August, where people dressed in ancient costumes roll barrels up the steep street of the Corso while battling a fake war

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Transportation
Montepulciano can be reached by train on the Florence-Rome line or, if you are close by, from Siena and Chiusi. Buses run from Siena, Florence, Pienza and Chiusi and stop at the bottom of the hill outside of town. Montepulciano is most easily accessed by car, although once you reach the gates, you will have to park at the bottom of the hill and walk. By car, take the Chianciano Terme exit off the A1 and follow the SS166 to the town. Most cars are not allowed into the center and are parked near the Porta al Prato

Links: http://www.ctnet.it/montepulciano