Why Everyone Love Montepulciano And Pienza
On our third day , we are venturing out to Tuscany, and we make sure to include the charming towns of Montepulciano and Pienza on your itinerary.
These two towns offer a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Italy, unmatched by any other destination. Montepulciano boasts beautiful Renaissance-era architecture, enriched by the renowned wines produced in the region.
Pienza, on the other hand, is a stunning hilltop village that has managed to retain its distinctive character over the centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its stunning views of the rolling Tuscany hills and fantastic examples of Renaissance architecture. So, why not mosey around the winding streets, sample some local gastronomy, and stroll through beautiful parks and landscapes.
These two towns will make your travels to Tuscany truly unforgettable.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano, located in southern Tuscany, is a charming medieval and Renaissance hill town that is definitely worth a visit. The town is built along a narrow limestone ridge at 605 meters above sea level and is encircled by walls. The main square, which crowns the summit of the hill, can be reached by a long, winding street called the Corso. The streets inside the walls are filled with Renaissance-style buildings, adding to the town’s beauty.
The filming location for the Twilight sequel New Moon is here. The location of the Cathedral was previously occupied by an old parish church that was deemed insufficient and unadorned compared to the new, beautiful buildings constructed in Piazza Grande and the surrounding streets.
Cypress trees in the Val d'Orcia
As we drove along the winding streets from Montepulciano to Piaza, we were treated to the stunning sight of the cypress trees in the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, Italy.
Val d’Orcia is a breathtakingly beautiful area that spans from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata, and it is home to charming towns and villages like Pienza, Radicofani, and Montalcino. This tranquil region has inspired artists and photographers alike with its captivating landscapes, and it is famous for the iconic row of cypress trees that attracts numerous visitors who come to admire and take pictures.
Pienza
Pienza is a charming small town located in the heart of the stunning Val d’Orcia, in Tuscany, Italy. This picturesque hilltop village is a perfect example of Renaissance urban planning and architecture.
Walking through the town, visitors can marvel at the elegant buildings, beautiful piazzas, and narrow streets lined with artisan shops and local restaurants offering exquisite cuisine. Pienza is also famous for its delicious pecorino cheese, which can be tasted and purchased in various shops around the town.
A bit of shopping
A Funny Story To Share
A funny story to share. If your adult children express interest in visiting the location where Gladiator was filmed, it might not be worth the trip. The spot consists of only four trees and a dirt road, accessed by a bumpy trail downhill. Personally, I found it underwhelming.
Gladiator Scene
If you’ve seen the movie Gladiator, then you will surely remember the scene where Russell Crowe was walking through fields of wheat on his way back home.
This and other scenes were shot in Val d’Orcia. Specifically, the memorable scene of Russell Crowe walking home leads to the roadway leading to Agriturismo Terripile.
On Our Way To Siena For The Night
Borgo Grondaie
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this charming hotel. The bedroom and bathroom were impeccably decorated, and I was pleased to find a thoughtful assortment of teas and snacks in my room.
The apartment was spacious, cozy, and equipped with excellent heating. Additionally, the hotel’s location near Siena’s historic center was very convenient. I found the reception and breakfast staff to be exceptionally friendly and helpful.
It’s worth noting that there are grocery stores nearby should you need to do some shopping. The grounds are well-maintained, and the view is stunning.
♥ You can definitely do your laundry, but keep in mind that it may take around 4 hours for your clothes to fully dry.
Your photos are amazing! I haven’t been to this part of Italy but it looks it will have to make it on my travel list!
Thank you. The Medieval towns are amazing.