During the X and XI centuries the great growth in the numbers of pilgrims along the Via Francigena led to the development of some centres such as San Quirico, Castiglione and Radicofani. During the following centuries many castles, fortresses and grance were built in this area (such as those of Spedaletto, Castelluccio, Cuna, Serre di Rapolano and Montisi).

Do not miss a visit to Pienza (12 km from Montisi) that dominates the northern side of the Val d’Orcia. The small town was commissioned by Pope Pius II Piccolomini who entrusted its design and construction to Bernardo Rossellino and it remains one of the most successful examples of urban renovation and planning.

Also interesting is a visit to Bagno Vignoni (14 km from Pienza), an ancient and enchanting thermal centre with its houses of distinctly medieval appearance surrounding the great pool of hot sulphurous water and the nearby Rocca d’Orcia, a small medieval town that gathers the imposing ruins of the fortress of the Rocca a Tentennano.

After 6 km along the road that connects Montisi to Pienza there is a deviation to the right that brings you to Sant’Anna in Camprena, an Olivetan Benedictine Monastery founded in 1324 by Bernardo Tolomei (and recently publicized in the film “The English Patient”). Of great note are the frescoes that decorate the refectory painted in 1502-1503 by Antonio Bazzi known as the Sodoma.  

The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore (14 km from Montisi) stands on a hill that dominates the crete, in the midst of a forest of cypress, pine and oak trees. This monastery was also founded by Bernardo Tolomei in 1313. Of great interest is the Chiostro (cloisters) with the portico protected by windows that are entirely decorated with frescoes that depict stories of Saint Benedict that were painted by Luca Signorelli and Antonio Bazzi, known as the Sodoma.

The town is celebrated for its high fortress that for centuries resisted many sieges. It is also famous for its grapes that produce the renowned Brunello.

The area’s artistic masterpiece is the isolated Benedictine Abbey of Saint Antimo (10 km from Montisi) which is one of the region’s main Romanesque documents that is exalted by the total beauty of the surrounding countryside. The Abbey is very enchanting at sundown and at night when the lighting that exquisitely exalts its beauty is turned on.

This area is neatly farmed and possesses many monumental jewels that were erected, especially in the XVI century, with the contribution of architects such as Antonio da Sangallo, Baldassare Peruzzi and Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. Of special note, amongst the many things, is the Church of San Biagio that stands alone below the Town and represents an exceptional example of sixteenth century Tuscan architecture. Montepulciano is also famous for its Vino Nobile (Noble Wine).

From Montepulciano, passing through Chianciano Terme, after 22 km you come to Chiusi that has very ancient origins. The city reached it maximum splendour from the VII to the V centuries BC, especially under the legendary King Porsenna. It is interesting to visit for its museum that is full of Etruscan relics.

Also worth seeing is nearby Cetona, a town of Etruscan origin on the extremities of the mountain of the same name with its museum of prehistoric relics.

For the most part the entrees on offer are spleen pâté croutons and mixed cured meats, the first courses of pici (irregular handmade spaghetti made with only water and flour), pappardelle (large homemade egg pasta), filled ravioli pasta and ribollita (a bread and vegetable soup), mixed roast meats for the main course, various side dishes, vegetable puddings and the usual Italian desserts, which include traditional Tuscan cantucci biscuits to be dunked in the vinsanto.

We advise you to book the restaurants in advance, especially on the weekends.

Throughout the year a small Montisi theatre company and others from nearby towns carry out theatrical representations.

The visit is interesting due to the care and refinement with which the restoration was carried out with respect for the theatre’s original form.

This important time for the town’s economy is celebrated in the early days of November with a lively event called il primo olio ed altro ancora (the first oil and more) that sees stands and exhibitions set up along the town’s main road, as well as guided tours, tastings and typical lunches based on the new oil in the restaurants and the contrade.

Tastings of oil and wines conducted by expert sommeliers take place in La Grancia’s sala delle carozze (carriage room)

The hand harvested grapes, that in La Grancia come from the Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Merlot, Trebbiano and Malvisia grapes, are brought to the cellar where the traditional and careful operations for the production and aging of DOC wines will be carried out.

At the start of summer the town of Montisi comes alive with the arrival of talented teachers and students of the harpsichord from more than 30 countries around the world and you can attend concerts and recitals of a high level.

The event opens with a historical parade of people in costumes that starts from inside La Grancia and proceeds to the field where the competition takes place. Here the knights on horseback representing the contrade gallop at full tilt with lances to try and achieve the maximum points against the target that represents the effigy of Simone.