Things to do in Montepulciano
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Enoteca a Gambe di Gatto
Renowned throughout the region, exacting husband and wife team of Emanuel and Laura travel the country each winter to acquire the absolute best products from organic producers. The daily menu fluctuates wildly, depending on market offerings.
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Trattoria Diva e Maceo
An uncomplicated place, Trattoria Diva e Maceo is popular with the locals and carries a good selection of local wines. You can feast on Tuscan cuisine like taglatelle al tartufo (tagliatelle with truffles) in simple surroundings.
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Osteria dell’Acquacheta
This is a small eatery with the look and feel of a country trattoria. The food is excellent and mainly meaty, ranging from misto di salamitoscani (a variety of Tuscan sausages and salamis) to huge steaks.
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La Grotta
Opposite the church of San Biagio, La Grotta is Montepulciano's finest restaurant. Inside this 15th-century building the dining is appropriately elegant while the tables in the garden are tempting for a summer lunch.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cantine Contucci
Opposite to Palazzo Comunale is the Palazzo Contucci and its extensive wine cellar, Cantine Contucci, which is open for visiting and sampling.
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Cathedral
The 16th-century cathedral has an unfinished facade. Above the high altar is a lovely triptych by Taddeo da Bartolo depicting the Assumption.
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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.
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Caffè Poliziano
Established as a cafe in 1868, this elegant place has been lovingly restored and has tiny, precipitous balcony tables with expansive views.
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Porta al Prato
Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio (may have) restructured the medieval gate leading into the city proper, the Porta al Prato.
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Palazzo Tarugi
Palazzo Tarugi, attributed to Giacomo da Vignola, is beside a well, surmounted by a particularly genial pair of lions.
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Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Continuing up Via di Gracciano nel Corso, you will find Michelozzo’s Chiesa di Sant’Agostino.
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Palazzo Avignonesi
The late-Renaissance Palazzo Avignonesi by Giacomo da Vignola is at No 91.
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Palazzo Cocconi
Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio designed Palazzo Cocconi at No 70.
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