Tuscany Hills. Montepulciano

I didn't know about the Nobile di Montepulciano wine, nor about the fact that some key scenes from the Twilight saga (New Moon, more precisely) were filmed here. The culmination of the action took place in Piazza Grande, for which a wave of tourists with undiscovered passions made their way to this medieval city. There is even a tour that points out all the locations where the actors were in the respective scenes, followed by a dinner with selected dishes and the famous local wine.
Being limited by the timetable of intercity public transport (quite limited on Saturday and Sunday), we had only a few hours at the disposal where we preferred to do what we like best: to walk on the streets that attract our attention, without a plan or route, following that at some point we will definitely reach the city center. Montepulciano imposes itself in front of Pineza. It is about three to four times larger and taller. I mean, you go up. Climb and admire the historic buildings that attest to the wealth of Renaissance noble families. The city reached the highest threshold of prosperity in the 16th century and this is also linked to the name Medici.

We entered through Porta della Farine, which is closest to the bus station and first we advanced on the main street - Corso - past imposing houses, churches and palaces, and then zigzag through narrow side passages and shady streets . Walking along the detour, it took us a while to get to Piazza Grande. Ignoring the fact that they had just laid out a performance hall in the whole market, the setting is absolutely sensational. As we marveled in front of the Dome, the City Hall and the palaces that flank the square, we felt the need to take a seat when, from a car, a lady got out, took out a massive golden key and opened one of the doors of the impressive buildings near which we had nailed. What would it be like to hold the key to a palace?

As beautiful is the square seen from behind the fountain with a lion or from the neighboring terrace, as impressive is the view from the top of the City Hall tower: a domino roof, followed by smooth stretches of hills, vineyards and abbeys. It is said that, on a clear day, you could even see Siena and Mount Cimone. We lost sight of the Chiesa di San Biagio, a church designed by Antonio da Sangallo (the Elder) and an example of Renaissance architecture in this area. We had to go down for about 15 minutes to reach it and then go up to the city again, but we were glad we did. Although, in my opinion, less charming than Pienza, I considered that I did not give enough time to this city, I did not discover the thermal waters for which it is known and I did not try its famous noble wine on one of the terraces. with panoramic views. And Montepulciano seems a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine at a table with traditional dishes, admiring one of the most beautiful views in Tuscany. Endnote: must return! Back in Pienza… For a last night in which I slowly repeated the routine of the past days: walk along the city walls, looked at the valley with its hills highlighted by the last rays of the sun, then woke up from the dream and immersed in plates with goodies and assorted ice cream.

Useful tips and information:

-freedom of movement is essential in Tuscany. The car or a Vespa are basic if you can get over the blocking of a large amount of money on the card for warranty (over 1700 Eur they asked us for) or over the 60 Eur / day as a scooter in Montepulciano.

-public transport such as the intercity bus runs smoothly, costs 2-5 EUR on the distances between the cities of Tuscany, but on Saturday it works after a short schedule, and on Sunday it does not work at all. On the Sunday we left for Bologna from where we had the plane back, we had to take a taxi - which is not easy at all, being few. We also wanted to reach the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, near Montalcino, but we didn’t succeed. It's on the list from what I've read.

For enthusiasts, some cycling itineraries:

• From Pienza to Montepulciano (approx. 30 km)
• from Montalcino to Castelnuovo dell’Abate where the Abbey of Sant’Antimo is and back (20 km)
• Din Pienza in Bagno Vignoni (approx. 16 km)
• Crossing the entire Orcia valley (approx. 80 km)