Montalcino
The history
Montalcino is located on a hill about 567 meters high on the bank of the Orcia River, approximately 40 km to the southwest of Siena.
To reach the town, you can take SS2-Cassia, using the Torrenieri exit.
Of first Etruscan and then Roman origins, the town subsequently belonged to the territories of the Abbey of Sant'Antimo (html file).
Its strategic position on the ancient Francigena Road allowed Montalcino to rapidly acquire the structure of a military city with large walls for defense, numerous towers, and a fortress - notwithstanding many sieges - that was never conquered.
Becoming a free commune under the Guelphs, Montalcino fought several wars during the medieval period against the Ghibelline faction and against neighboring Siena until 1361 when its people were made Sienese citizens.
And then when Siena was defeated by the empire of Charles V, Montalcino was taken back from the Republic of Siena and ultimately was annexed to Florence.
The imposing 13th century Fortress stands out above the town.
The Fortress is designed in the shape of a pentagon with angular towers.
Inside there is a large courtyard for theater performances and other cultural events.
Also inside the Fortress is a wine shop where you can taste and purchase the famous Brunello wine (html file) - one of the few Italian red wines receiving the D.O.C.G. mark, a decoration of excellence.
At the entrance is the "Stendardo di Siena" painted by Sodoma.
Walking around the towers, you will enjoy a stupendous panoramic view
The monuments
The heart of the town is the Piazza del Popolo, in which is the charming Palazzo Comunale, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, decorated with coats of arms showing its slender tower of bricks and stone and the large portico, which is called the "cappellaccio", and its loggia from the same period, which is called the "cappellone".
This was lengthened in 1400 by rounded arches made of bricks.
A little further on is the 13th-century Church of Saint Augustine - a romanesque/gothic structure, where you can enjoy frescoes showing episodes from the life of the Saint, notably those of Coro di Bartolo di Fredi
Next to the church is the Convent of Saint Augustine, its interior distinguished by two cloisters of the 14th century that host the Musei Riuniti Civico, Diocesano e Archeologico. You can also see the Crucifix made by the Sienese School of the 12th century, the miniature Atlantica Bible, paintings by Sienese artists, terrecotta works, and numerous statues of painted wood. Also present is an archeological exhibit displaying evidence of human habitation in the area from Neolithic times to the Etruscans and finally to the Roman Era
Proceeding along the way, you find the Duomo, a neoclassic structure built on the site of the ancient Pieve di San Salvatore where you can see a number of architectural.
From the Duomo, you descend opposite the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso, patron saint of the city. The church was constructed in the first years of the 1600s and named "del Soccorso". Inside is preserved the very ancient "Tavola della Madonna" as well as other outstanding works.
The surrounding area
The entire territory of the Comune di Montalcino presents a constellation of historic sites, in particular the Abbey of Sant'Antimo about 10 km away in Castelnuovo dell'Abate. It is one of the most beautiful examples of romanesque architecture in Tuscany.
Other things to see in the area include the Castello di Poggio alle Mura, which hosts a musem of glass works, the Castello di Argiano and the 15th century Villa Pecci, the Abbey of Ardenga of the "vallombronsana" style with a splendid Crypt), and the medieval villages of S. Angelo in Colle and Camigliano.
Festivals and special events
"Tournament of the First Shots" - Second Sunday in August..
Feast of the Thrush - Last Sunday in October.
These festivals are based on events originating sometime in the last half of the 13th century, a period of relative peace in which hunters and falconers took advantage of local rich landowners and the wildness of their woods. They were especially active in the period from the end of August until late October when many migratory birds, including thrushes, passed over the countryside. On returning, the hunters and falconers shared their prey with allies and neighbors at dances and tournaments.
The "TORNEO DI APERTURA DELLE CACCE" marks the beginning of hunting season, while the SAGRA DEL TORDO signals the end of the shooting season
The feast recalls the history of Montalcino with its contrasts, the challenges of Drawing the Bow made between archers in the districts of Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga, and Travaglio, ancient villages that joined to create the origin of the city.
You can get the flavor of the times at the Corteo Storico - the Historical Procession - in which participants wear sumptuous clothes of the era and perform dances in local costume. Of special note is the "Tresconde". You can enjoy foods of typical local kitchens - as well as the thrushes, which are cooked on a spit and sprinkled with the famous Brunello wine and admire the burning torches on the ramparts of the Fortress.
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