Montelpulciano

Montelpulciano is located in the Val di Chiana, Tuscany, not that far from Val d'Orcia. It is built high on a geological ridge of Monte Poliziano in the province of Sienna. It is the ancient Etruscan city of Nocera Alfaterna, which in 308 B.C. made an alliance with Rome against the Samnites.

Sitting outside Montelpulciano walls is the Temple of San Biagio

This Temple planned by Antonio Da Sangallo (1518 - 1537) it shows the style given by master builders of this period, inspiring the design of such Palaces as Cervini, Terugi and many more.

Yes there was a steep climb from the car park to enter Montelpuciano

The main street climbs 60 meters in 1 km!!

The houses are situated along this main street in a series of very steep, short, narrow alleys.

Their statues

and "little men on roofs"

and plaques on walls caught my attention.

This town is famous for two excellent wines, Vino Nobile and Vino Rosso di Montelpuciano and there are many opportunites open to purchase.

We wandered along the main street to Piazza Grande

to look at the Palazzo De Nobili-Tarugi above

and the Church of San Agostino opposite.

It was early morning on a dullish day - and the Cafe's were just setting up.

Love these 2 little sunflower numbers.

*****

Now it's time to drive back through Val d'Orcia

for our last afternoon in Pienza - and Italy.