|
Montepulciano
Montepulciano, is a renaissance town in
Southern
Tuscany and an important agricultural center, famous for it's
"Nobile" wine. Montepulciano lies on a hilltop in a panoramic position
and is surrounded by the 15th century defensive works by "Antonio da
Sangallo". Birthplace of the famous poet Agnolo Ambrogini, called
"Poliziano". Thanks to its history throughout the centuries, the town
has preserved many architectural jewels and artistic treasures along
side the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
- Piazza Grande is the real
monumental center of
Montepulciano and hosts the "Palazzo Comunale" (Town hall) 15th
century, with a big tower from which it is possible to admire the view
of the village of Radicofani, the Orcia Valleys and Lake Trasimeno.
- The Cathedral of Montepulciano is a
stately
building by Ippolito Scalza, (1592-1630 , inside, altar by A. della
Robbia, a 14th century baptismal font and the " Madonna del Pilastro"
by Sano di Pietro. On the high altar there is a tripthych by Taddeo di
Bartolo (Assuunption, 1401). The overall structure is reminiscent of
the palazzo della Signoria in Florence. The rest of the square is
surrounded by several elegant buildings: Palazzo Cantucci, by Sangallo,
Palazzo Tarugi, in front of the church, by Vignola and next the Palazzo
del Capitano del Popolo (XIV century). Of note is the ancient well
"Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni", dating back to 1520 it illustrates very
nice renaissance work.
- Palazzo Neri-Orselli, 14th century
palace,
hosts the Civic Museum of Montepulciano, a very large exhibition of
Tuscan paintings.
- Palazzo Bucelli, whose facade is
embedded with
a patchwork of dozens of Etruscan reliefs and funerary urns.
- The church of Santa Lucia,
preserves a
painting by Luca Signorelli.
- Outside the city walls, the church of Sant'
Agnese,
with a 14th century portal. Inside, the first chapel on the right has a
frescoed Madonna by Simone Martini.
The
travertine church of San
Biagio, outside of
the
city, in the countryside, is characterized by a beautiful dome. It is
one of the most significant Renaissance works and masterpiece of
Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.
Montepulciano has
many wine shops, (local name is enoteca or
cantina) offering the chance to taste the local wine "Nobile di
Montepulciano", as well as, to have a traditional Tuscan "colazione" or
"merenda" (breakfast) with local products: pecorino cheese,
salami, crostini or bruschetta. A real pleasure for the senses .
|
