Featured Excursions in Italy
Montalcino
One of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany also due to the view from the majestic fortress. The area, which is part of the Artistic, Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d’Orcia, is covered in vineyards (from which high quality wines are produced), olive groves and woods. It was given city status and made into a diocese in 1462 by Pope Pius II Piccolomini and Renaissance Montalcino experienced historical moments of great tension due to the struggle between Florence and Siena over domination of the area. Walking through the town one can admire the numerous medieval buildings, starting with the town walls that still have their original gates and part of the towers, the town hall, the loggia of Piazza del Popolo, the neoclassical Cathedral, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, the Church of Sant’Egidio and the beautiful 14th century churches of Sant’Agostino and San Francesco, with the attached convents that open onto beautiful cloisters. The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is only a short distance from Montalcino (9km) and is a marvellous Romanesque architectural complex that according to legend sprang up from an ancient votive chapel built by Charlemagne in 781.
Most requested destinations
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