Montalcino is located in the Tuscan province of Siena, near the border with Grosseto. It is a small town, yet is fairly well known for its olives and the vineyards where the Brunello wine is made. It is situated at an altitude of over 500 metres and the whole territory of the municipality covers an area of almost 250 km2.
All about Montalcino travel guide
Useful information
Town hall: Piazza Cavour 13 – 53024 Montalcino (tel. 057780441). Phone: 0577. Zip code: 53024. Tourist office: There is no tourist office in the town. Suburbs: Camigliano, Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Sant’Angelo in Colle, Sant’Angelo Scalo, Torrenieri.
Public transportation: From Siena: There is a direct bus from Siena. From Rome and Florence: The nearest train station is in Buonconvento (10km from your destination). The bus stop for Montalcino is right in front of the train station.
A brief history of Montalcino
After the Etruscan and Roman eras, the town came into the possession of the Monastery of Sant’Antimo, and then was independent for a while, until it was overpowered by the Republic of Siena at the Battle of Monteaperti (1260). In 1462 the town was declared a bishopric by Pope Pius II. Ownership of the town was continuously contested by Florence and Siena. Although they were the last to have the fortress built, in 1559 it came into the hands of the Florentine Grand Duchy of the Medici through the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis.
What to see in Montalcino
The main tourist attractions of the city are the castle and the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo, which is however located almost 10 kilometers outside the city limits. There are several churches, including a neo-classical cathedral and the view from the hill on which the town is built is magnificent. Since 2004, the entire territory is therefore on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Events and Festivals
Last Sunday of October: Sagra del Tordo, or “Festival of the Thrush”, an archery tournament held within the walls of the castle.
August: Torneo di Apertura delle Cacce (Tournament of the opening of the hunting season).
Brunello
This is one of the most famous red wines of Italy and has the quality guarantee DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). It may only be produced in the territory of the town, has a mandatory 3.5-year wood aging and is ready to drink after about 10 years. Most wineries also produce the cheaper rosso di Montalcino. The grape used is also called Brunello.
By car
By car: From Siena (40km): Take the SS2 towards Buonconvento. 2 Km after Buonconvento you will see signs for Montalcino. From Rome (150km): Follow the SR2 until just after San Quirico d’Orcia and then the SP14. From Florence (85km): Follow SR2 south to Torrenieri and then the SP14.