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Published: August 28th 2008
Val d'Orcia: The inspiration of Renaissance painters. Remote(ish), incredibly fertile, medieval, gothic & relatively undiscovered by the masses. Here Montepulciano is, in dozens of ways, equal to Sienna. It's volcanic horizon, famous worldwide for it's wines Nobile & Rosso, it's Etruscan heritage.... all pave the way to an amazing village. Both for the modern traveler & those who enjoy history.
Built on Monte Poliziano predating 500 BC, this town has seen surprising fame. Marcellus II, Poliziano, Cervini, pilgrims... & SOMETHING has to be said about their music! The academy of music was directly next to Piazza Pio; violins, cello's, piano, play through most of the late afternoon & well into the evening. Solo artists sing an operetta as one enjoys a meal or just a drink while soaking in the incredible atmosphere. To listen to age old music while admiring even older surroundings, just sets the tone for special moments.
We had the good fortune to witness Cantiere Internazionale d'art, purely by chance. AMAZING! I think these people MUST be professional musicians. Everything here seems to be of the highest professional quality, even the shops excel. Highly recommended is Maledetti Toscani, the oldest shop in Montepulciano with incredible
leather goods. Boots, sandals, hand bags, wallets, suitcases, briefcases, leather bound books, etc. exported all over the globe to speciality shops. Purchasing here will save you substantial export/import, tax & customs fees! Glorious items! I'm sure they must have a web site!
It is said this town is car free, in fact it is not :/ So when a car (or HUGE van full of German's) drive by...Skinny-Up! The fact it is SO hot here & such a steep incline, inspires many to drive where they should walk. Oh well, @ least they are few & far between. S T E E P is the word for this town 😊
I wish I knew more about the art in the church's, I will have to study this more during the winter & organize my photos accordingly. For a town we visited frequently, it is the town I know least about!
Somehow, the inhabitants of this extraordinary town have been able to change little in 500 years. Fascinating! Highly recommended & loved.
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