Travel information

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  • The house and property of La Foce [1] is a short drive away. The XVth century villa was built as an inn for pilgrims and merchants traveling on the ancient road to Rome, via francigena. Restored as a private home by Iris and Antonio Origo, the house and the gardens make for a pleasant two hour visit from Montepulciano. The villa and property (as also are Montepulciano and Chiusi) are the centerpiece of the very readable book War in the Val D'Orcia by Iris Origo. Summertime music concerts are also featured. All tours are guided, so call ahead.
  • Market Day is thursday
  • The Tourist Information office is on Piazza don Minzoni, open Monday to Saturday 9:30-12:30 & 3:00-6:00, Sunday 9:30-12:30. Telephone 0578-757-341
  • Piazza Grande Pleasant piazza surrounded by great architecture, like the medieval Palazzo Comunale, Contucci Palace, & Palazzo de' Nobili-Tarugi
  • The clock tower of the Palazzo Comunale can be climbed for a great town view (€1.60 open daily 10:00-6:00)
  • Wine tasting can be done in the Cantinas along Via Ricci & Via di Gracciano nel Corso, but the most fun one is in the basement of the Contucci Palace, on Piazza Grande. Free tasting, no food, open daily 8:30-12:30 & 2:30-6:30. Groups welcome with a reservation. Telephone: 0578-757-006
  • Civic Museum This small museum's highlight is the della Robbia ceramic alterpieces & Etruscan artifacts (€4.10, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-1:00 * 3:00-6:00, Sunday 10:00-6:00, closed Monday, on Via Ricci. Telephone: 0578-717-300
  • San Biagio Church A wonderful Renaissance church with soaring nave & dome, with a challenging walk from the church to the town center. Open daily 9:00-1:00 & 3:00-7:00

By road

Montepulciano is a few miles from the A1 Autostrada as well as the more scenic SS2 from Rome to Florence. Cars are not allowed inside the historical old town (except with a permit, available from hotels) so park in one of the numerous lots at the edge of the town. Be warned that the lots fill up quickly in late summer, the height of the tourist season.

By bus

Buses, departing from Piazza Pietro Nenni, connect Montepulciano with many other Tuscan cities: Siena (75 minutes, 4/day none on Sunday), Pienza (30 minutes, 8/day), Montalcino (1 hour 10/day, change in Torrenien) and Chiusi (hourly). Route #146 into Montepulciano is quite scenic.

By rail

The nearest railhead is a half hour away at Chiusi from where there are frequent trains to Florence and Rome.

The only way to get around is to walk along the steep pathways.

  • Ai Quattro Venti Fresh, flavorful, & fun, on Piazza Grande with indoor & outdoor seating, €7 pastas. Open Friday to Wednesday 12:30-2:00 & 7:30-10:30, closed thursday. Next to city hall on Piazza Grande. Telephone: 0578-717-231
  • Osteria dell'Aquacheta €5 pastas & salads, open Wednesday to Monday 12:30-3:00 & 7:30-10:30, closed tuesday, on Via del Teatro. Telephone: 0578-717-086