Montepulciano

The steep climb up Via del Teatro is rewarded by the sudden, unexpected appearance of Piazza Grande. This square is the main reason why Montepulciano is known as the "pearl of the 16th century". This piazza, entirely surrounded by masterpieces of Renaissance architecture, has managed to preserve its original atmosphere. Right in front of you, you will see the Palazzo Comunale, designed by Michelozzo. Palazzo Cantucci, Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo dei Nobili are arrayed along another two sides, while the fourth side is occupied by the unfinished façade of the cathedral. This could also be called a museum, due to the many works of art it contains. These include the famous Triptych of the Assumption by Taddeo di Bartolo and many other equally celebrated works, such as the Aragazzi Cenotaph by Michelozzo, a Madonna and Child by Sano di Pietro, a baptismal font by Michelozzo, a Madonna and Child by Tino da Camaino, an altar front in glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia. The oldest part of the town spreads over the entire hill and, in addition to the noble buildings we've already mentioned, it is crammed with innumerable historically and artistically important buildings, such as the church of Sant'Agostino (also designed by Michelozzo), the church of Santa Lucia, which contains a painted panel, thought to be the work of Signorelli, and the church of Gesù, with the interior and vaults designed in 1700 by Andrea Pozzo. This artist was particularly active in Montepulciano. In the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, there is also a painted panel attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna, who was one of Siena's greatest 14th century artists. The main streets of Montepulciano are lined with historic buildings, such as the unadorned Palazzo Cervini, which now houses a bank, Palazzo Grugni, which was possibly designed by Vignola, Palazzo Cocconi, attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, and the Fortress, built on the summit of the hill, on the remains of the original "castrum politianum". Palazzo Bucelli has a particularly striking facade. The original owner, Pietro Bucelli, was a scholar and antique collector, who filled his home with a large collection of Etruscan artefacts. The objects he considered of little importance, including funeral urns, inscriptions and fragments of tombstones, were used to cover the bottom of the external walls of the palazzo, thus creating a kind of open-air museum. Every part of Montepulciano, however, is worth visiting. You can get glimpses of breath-taking views from many corners and little piazzas. Perhaps the most beautiful view is from Piazza San Francesco. The imposing and elegant Tempio di San Biagio is situated down in the valley under Montepulciano. Built by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, one of the most important architects of the period, this church is a typical example of Renaissance architecture. From the sacred to the profane: a visit to a few of the renowned wine cellars is a must. Quite apart from their normal role, they are also of historic interest. Some of them have been selling wine for centuries and they fill much of the subterranean area underneath the town.

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