What to visit near Montalcino? Discover the most and least tourist attractions near this Tuscan city.

 

What to see near Montalcino: 10 things to visit

 

Montalcino, a charming medieval village nestled in the hills of Tuscany, is world-famous for its excellent wines, such as the much-loved Brunello di MontalcinoBut in addition to its renowned wine production, the town and its surroundings also offer many other attractions and suggestive places to visit. Here is what to see near Montalcino.

 

Historic Centre of Montalcino and Fortress

 

With its thousand-year history, Montalcino enchants visitors with its timeless charm and offers a refined and rewarding travel experience. Enveloped by well-preserved medieval walls, the village of Montalcino is full of cobbled streets and ancient stone houses, evoking images of a bygone era. Walking through the historical centre is like plunging into a fairy-tale dimension, where medieval architecture reveals its stories steeped in tradition and nobility: wondering what there is to see in Montalcino actually means asking yourself if you are ready to take a wonderful journey into the past.
One of the most iconic elements of Montalcino is its imposing Fortezza, which towers majestically over the top of the village. Built in the 14th century, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, allowing the eyes to lose themselves among the rolling Tuscan hills, rows of vines and olive groves, creating a picture of rare beauty. It is also often the venue for numerous cultural events, including the renowned Jazz & Wine in Montalcino, a festival dedicated to music and good wine. But what is there near Montalcino?

 

Villages near Montalcino

 

The most beautiful villages near Montalcino to visit are Pienza, the 'ideal city' renovated by Pope Pius II in the 15th and become UNESCO heritage for its architectural beauty, including Piazza Piccolomini and the Duomo; Bagno Vignoniwhich stands on a natural water spring that emerges almost as if by magic in the large pool in the centre of the square; Castiglione d'Orciaa small village overlooked by the Rocca di Tentennano, an ancient medieval tower that is now a venue for exhibitions and cultural events; and Buonconventowith its magnificent Clock Tower and the Palazzo Podestarile, on which you can still admire the 25 coats of arms of the ancient podestà of this village near Montalcino.

 

The Bottle and Glass Museum

 

The Bottle and Glass Museumnamed after Giovanni F. Mariani, is located within the enchanting Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a 14th-century castle in the heart of the village of Poggio alle Mura, making it a museum within a museum. In fact, it is possible to admire the old rooms of the castle, such as the old stables and the oil mill, where the original 1857 machinery is still preserved, while following the exhibition itinerary dedicated to the history of glass production, from the beautiful Roman glass-paste finds from the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. to Picasso's wonderful work, the "Portatrice".

 

What to see and do in Val d'Orcia

 

But Montalcino is only the beginning of an unforgettable journey in the Val d'Orciaa breathtaking landscape that extends beyond the borders of the village. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Val d'Orcia is a succession of hills shaped by agriculture and dotted with enchanting medieval villages.
Ogni scorcio rivela una bellezza intramontabile, un paesaggio dipinto con colori caldi e armoniosi che fanno da cornice a strade tortuose, campi di grano dorato, cipressi maestosi e vigneti ordinati. Se vi state chiedendo cosa fare e vedere in val d’Orcia, le possibilità sono moltissime, sia che si tratti di rilassarsi in un magnifico wine resort sia che si tratti di scoprire le bellezze naturalistiche con escursioni, trekking e passeggiate, molto spesso accompagnate da percorsi di degustazione presso le cantine del luogo.

 

Relaxation at Castello Banfi Wine Resort

 

Una vacanza in Val d’Orcia si trasforma così in un’esperienza immersiva e di relax alla scoperta del mondo del vino. Tra le cose da vedere vicino a Montalcino spicca infatti Castello Banfi Wine Resort, un borgo medievale da fiaba a pochi passi da Montalcino. Qui potrete vivere l’esperienza di soggiornare in un autentico castello medievale: le camere e le suites dell’Il Borgo Hotel sono state realizzate ristrutturando una parte di edifici del castello, in un’armoniosa combinazione tra antico e moderno, tra tradizione e comfort.
Potrete inoltre approfondire le vostre conoscenze enologiche attraverso tour guidati alle cantine Banfi o deliziosi pranzi presso il ristorante La Taverna.

 

Visits to cellars

 

Una risposta esaustiva alla domanda cosa vedere a Montalcino non può fare a meno di includere dunque la visita alle cantine e alle enoteche nei dintorni. Questo viaggio alla scoperta del mondo del vino vi darà la possibilità di visitare vere cantine e osservare da vicino il processo produttivo del vino, ammirando come le tecnologie di ultima generazione camminino sempre di pari passo con le tradizioni secolari. In alcuni luoghi, come per esempio The Enoteca, una caratteristica bottega toscana nel Castello Banfi Wine Resort, è possibile acquistare le bottiglie più pregiate e degustare i prodotti locali e le eccellenze enogastronomiche del territorio.