MontepulcianoSights

Sights in Montepulciano

  1. A

    Palazzo Cervini

    The Renaissance Palazzo Cervini was built for Cardinal Marcello Cervini, the future Pope Marcellus II. The unusual U-shape at the front - most palazzi have austere, straight fronts - also incorporates a courtyard into the façade design and appears to have been another Sangallo creation. A few blocks further along on the left, is the Chiesa del Gesù, bleak brick outside and elaborately Baroque within.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Palazzo Comunale

    Overlooking Piazza Grande, which is Montepulciano’s highest point, is the Palazzo Comunale. Built in the 13th-century Gothic style and remodelled in the 15th century by Michelozzo, it still functions as the town hall. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Monti Sibillini to the east and the Gran Sasso to the southeast from the top of its tower.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Cantina del Redi

    In the Renaissance Palazzo Ricci is Cantina del Redi, a cavernous warren of ancient wine cellars that you can wander through, ending up at the wine-tasting room and shop. To get there ascend the hill at Piazza Michelozzo and turn right at the Loggia di Mercato, first left into Via del Poggiolo, then left again into Via Ricci.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Palazzo Ricci

    Ascend the hill at Piazza Michelozzo and turn right at the Loggia di Mercato, first left into Via del Poggiolo, then left again into Via Ricci. In the Renaissance Palazzo Ricci is Cantina del Redi, a cavernous warren of ancient wine cellars that you can wander through, ending up at the wine-tasting room and shop.

    reviewed

  5. Chiesa di San Biagio

    To the west of Chiesa del Gesù, and prominent in the valley below is domed Chiesa di San Biagio, a fine Renaissance church built by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder which was undergoing major restoration when we last passed. Its highlight is an impressive marble altarpiece.

    reviewed

  6. E

    Colonna del Marzocca

    At the upper end of Piazza Savonarola is the Colonna del Marzocca, erected in 1511 to confirm Montepulciano's allegiance to Florence. The splendid stone lion, squat as a pussycat atop this column is, in fact, a copy; the original is in the town's Museo Civico.

    reviewed

  7. F

    Chiesa di Sant'Agnese

    The Chiesa di Sant'Agnese, with its beelike banding around the façade, lies just outside the city walls. The original church was built in the early 14th century but this version was the result of a remake by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio in 1511.

    reviewed

  8. G

    Museo Civico

    The town's Museo Civico is opposite Palazzo Ricci in the Gothic Palazzo Neri-Orselli. The small collection features terracotta reliefs by the della Robbia family and some Gothic and Renaissance paintings.

    reviewed

  9. H

    Torre di Pulcinella

    Opposite Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, Torre di Pulcinella, a medieval tower house, is topped by the town clock and the hunched figure of Pulcinella (Punch of Punch and Judy fame), which strikes the hours.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Palazzo di Bucelli

    Several mansions line Via di Gracciano nel Corso, including the Palazzo di Bucelli at No 73, the lower courses of whose façade are recycled Etruscan and Latin inscriptions and reliefs.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. J

    Cathedral

    The 16th-century cathedral has an unfinished facade. Above the high altar is a lovely triptych by Taddeo da Bartolo depicting the Assumption.

    reviewed

  13. Tower

    From the top of Palazzo Comunale's tower on a clear day, you can see as far as the Monti Sibillini to the east and the Gran Sasso to the southeast.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Porta al Prato

    Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio (may have) restructured the medieval gate leading into the city proper, the Porta al Prato.

    reviewed

  15. L

    Palazzo Tarugi

    Palazzo Tarugi, attributed to Giacomo da Vignola, is beside a well, surmounted by a particularly genial pair of lions.

    reviewed

  16. M

    Chiesa di Sant’Agostino

    Continuing up Via di Gracciano nel Corso, you will find Michelozzo’s Chiesa di Sant’Agostino.

    reviewed

  17. N

    Palazzo Avignonesi

    The late-Renaissance Palazzo Avignonesi by Giacomo da Vignola is at No 91.

    reviewed

  18. O

    Palazzo Cocconi

    Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio designed Palazzo Cocconi at No 70.

    reviewed