Montalcino, a well-known town in Tuscany, is celebrated as the birthplace of the renowned Brunello wine. The unique recipe for Brunello was created in 1888 by Ferruccio Biondi Santi, who decided to cultivate a single grape variety, the Sangiovese, to craft this exceptional wine.
While Tuscan winemakers traditionally blended multiple grape varieties, Biondi Santi believed that using just one would yield a more distinctive wine. Brunello must be aged for a minimum of five years, with two of those years spent in oak barrels, before it can be enjoyed.
Like many towns in the Tuscan region near Siena, Montalcino boasts a medieval charm with its fortress and surrounding walls, vineyards, and rolling hills. Its historic architecture has been remarkably preserved over the centuries, offering a picturesque backdrop ideal for photography!
Here are some activities and sights to enjoy during your visit to Montalcino:
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18 Things to Do in Montalcino
Enjoy a wine tour and taste a glass of Brunello wine
Wine tasting is the leading attraction in Montalcino! Visitors have a variety of guided tours available through Montalcino Wine Tours, which include tastings, hikes, and guided visits, offering plenty of choices for every wine lover!
Stop in Piazza del Popolo
The main square, Piazza del Popolo, is the ideal starting point for exploring Montalcino. Here, you’ll find key public buildings, a charming atmosphere, and numerous restaurants and cafés to enjoy a delightful break.
Take a look at Palazzo dei Priori
Palazzo dei Priori, the Town Hall for centuries, features a striking stone façade and a crenelated tower, making it a prominent landmark in Montalcino. Don’t miss the statue of Cosimo de Medici located beneath the tower.
Enter the Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Savior, built in the 15th century on the site of an older Romanesque church, is one of Montalcino’s tallest buildings along with the fortress. Its neoclassical façade contrasts with the intricate interior decorations, featuring significant paintings by local artists such as Francesco Nasini and Francesco Vanni.
Walk on the castle’s ramparts.
The fortress, known as “Rocca,” is a significant attraction in Montalcino and the surrounding Orcia Valley. Erected in the 14th century as a military outpost, it played a vital role in the area’s defense. Visitors can enter through Cassero Gate and explore the internal courtyard encircled by its original walls.
While only a few rooms, the chapel, and the armory are accessible today, visitors can still walk along the ramparts to enjoy breathtaking views! Throughout the summer, events are held in the courtyard, which also houses a winery year-round. Access to the courtyard and garden is free, while walking the ramparts costs 4 euros. For further details, check here.
Visit the Civic Museum
The Civic Museum, situated in a former 15th-century monastery near the church of Saints Philippe and James, was renovated in 1977 to create an exhibition space showcasing various religious artworks.
It features a section dedicated to local painters and impressive wood carvings from the Middle Ages. A new section, known as the “Temple of Brunello,” was created in 2021, which offers an immersive experience highlighting the history of this prominent local wine. For more information, click here.
Attend the Jazz & Wine Festival
Each July, Montalcino hosts a summer festival featuring top jazz musicians from Italy and around the world. In addition to exceptional music, attendees can enjoy great food stalls and wine tastings. For more details, click here.
Have a day trip to Bagno Vignoni.
Bagno Vignoni is a charming town located just 18 km from Montalcino and has been a popular spa destination since Roman times. Notable is the large thermal basin in the village square, which was a major draw in the past. Although bathing is now prohibited, it remains a beautiful spot for photographs. If you’re looking for a spa experience, a short walk outside the village leads to ancient Roman baths nestled in nature!
Rent a bike
Montalcino is a biking paradise, boasting numerous trails across the countryside to keep you engaged. You can either explore on your own or tackle the renowned “L’Eroica” cycling route, which stretches 153 km through the Chianti region and Orcia Valley. The route is divided into 12 sections that can be completed in one or two days. For more details, click here.
Visit the Abbey of S. Antimo
Easily accessible from Montalcino by bike, the Abbey of S. Antimo is a stunning medieval architectural gem known for its tranquility and spirituality, where you might still hear monks singing Gregorian chants. Legend has it that Charlemagne founded this abbey in 781 after his forces were miraculously healed from a disease through herbal tea made from local grass.
Take plenty of pictures.
If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy shots, Montalcino is the perfect location! Visit the small park beside the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso, take a stroll along the ramparts, or enter the town through the Cervara gate for the best panoramic views!
Attend a show at Teatro degli Astrusi
The Astrusi Academy, established in Montalcino in the 17th century, has a charming theater that was renovated in the 18th century. Its ceiling, adorned with a depiction of Apollo’s chariot and the seven Muses, enhances its appeal. Though small, accommodating only 700 guests, the theater is a cherished venue for local performances. For more information, visit Montalcino Teatro.
Enter the courtyard of Pieri Palace.
This hidden gem is quietly tucked away from the street, showcasing exquisite Renaissance architecture. Historically, it served as the military headquarters of the French army from 1555 to 1559 and later as a stronghold for the Medici family. Today, the Palace houses a well-known social club.
Plan a special event at Banfi Castle.
Banfi Castle is a privately owned estate transformed into a winery, hotel, and restaurant. Its stunning setting amid vineyards makes it a popular venue for events like weddings and parties. For more details, click here.
Visit the cellar of Romitorio Castle.
Another notable wine estate is Romitorio Castle, located just outside Montalcino. This estate has been specializing in Sangiovese grape production since the 1980s. Visitors are welcome to tour their cellar, which acts as a museum that blends nature, culture, and wine, providing a unique experience. For more information, visit Castello Romitorio.
Enjoy some hikes in nature.
There are numerous hiking trails in the vicinity of Montalcino, with one of the most popular leading to the Abbey of S. Antimo. This trail extends 10 km and is relatively easy, winding through olive groves, vineyards, and forests.
Have a day trip to San Quirico d’Orcia
Another beautiful destination near Montalcino is San Quirico d’Orcia, easily accessible by bike. This small town is rich in historical buildings and churches, allowing you to explore its picturesque streets. After you’ve wandered through the village, you can cycle over to view the stunning Chapel of Vitaleta, famous for its iconic cypress trees.
Attend the Festival of the Thrush
Held on the last weekend of October, this ancient tradition marks the beginning of the hunting season. The highlight today is the archery competition, where the winner receives a silver arrow, accompanied by a parade of costumed characters and plenty of food and wine! For more details, visit Sagra del Tordo.
