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MONTEPULCIANO, THE PEARL OF THE 16TH CENTURY
Montepulciano is a charming Tuscan small town which, with its stone and brick houses,
dominates both the Valdichiana and the Valdorcia from its isolated hilltop.
According to the enchanting legend about the origins of this town, its first buildings
are supposed to have been founded in the Etruscan Age by the legendary King Porsenna.
On the other hand there is the more likely historical origin from the “gens romana”
of the “Publici”, that’s where the name “Monte Publiciano” comes from.
After being a free Commune during the 14th century, Montepulciano was long contested
between Siena and Florence until in 16th century it became part of the Medici Signoria.
The 15th century was a century of endless conflicts among the noble families who suddenly
and bloodily fought for the power, but this time was important from the cultural and
artistic point of view as well. In 16th century the town started to have the modern aspect.
It was just in that period that the magnificent Renaissance buildings overlooking the precious
Piazza Grande were built.
If the Contucci family had been involved in Montepulciano political and public life ever
since the 14th century, it was during the 16th century that it started to assert itself more
authoritatively on the public scene as testified by Palazzo Contucci, one of the above mentioned residences.
The “pearl of the 16th century” has been keeping intact the beauty and the magnificence
of its works of art, of its streets and alleys and of its buildings: entering the town from
Porta al Prato and following an interesting itinerary up to the Piazza Grande, it’s possible
to appreciate some of the masterpieces of artists such as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder,
Andrea Pozzo, Vignola and Michelozzo. The Piazza Grande is the highest point of the town:
next to the Palazzo Contucci, which was built by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, there are the
Palazzo Tarugi, the Palazzo Comunale (town hall), designed by Michelozzo, the imposing Pozzo
dei Grifi e dei Leoni and the Cathedral with the precious triptych by Taddeo di Bartolo.
The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino and the Civic Museum keep jealously many other works of art.
Outside the old town centre, about one kilometre far from the 14th century town walls,
there is the Tempio di San Biagio, which is considered one of the most important buildings of Renaissance and a symbol of Montepulciano. From here it’s possible to appreciate the whole town, surrounded by a wonderful landscape which looks absolutely splendid at sunset, when the town characteristic stone and brick houses are tinged with a particular colour; it’s a magic moment!
It’s also possible to go for a walk or to ride among the luxuriant
and regular vineyards and appreciate their richness and their colours,
even after a tasty dish of the typical “pici all’aglione” and a glass of good Vino Nobile… Contucci Vino Nobile, of course.
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