Montepulciano

The history

The oldest part of the town was at the top of the cliff called the “Sasso”, where today the fortress (rebuilt in the 19th century) stands. The strategic position made it into an object of dispute between Siena and Florence until 1511, when it was finally placed under the dominion of Florence.
The Middle Ages were the period of maximum splendour for Montepulciano, thanks to the commerce carried on by its inhabitants. The foundations of the town date back to this period, and have remained virtually intact. Additions built in the 15th and 16th centuries (through the work of Michelozzo, Antonio da San Gallo the Elder, Vignola etc.) were made to this foundation. So too were the many churches and palaces built in the 17th century.

Bas-relief on the facade of Bucelli palace.

The draining of Val di Chiana, the construction of the railway (1844) and the resulting new viability encouraged the moving of productive activities down to the bottom of the valley. The historic town has become the seat of the local administration and the centre for tourist facilities and a privileged place of residence.