Montalcino Attractions
The little town of Montalcino, situated high above the rivers Ombrone and Asso in southeastern Tuscany, lies some 40km/25mi south of Siena.
History
There was a settlement here in Etruscan and Roman times. During the Middle Ages Montalcino was a free commune, its allegiance varying between Florence and Siena. After the Battle of Montaperti (1260), in which the Florentines were defeated by Siena and the Ghibellines, it submitted to the Sienese, who built a stronghold on the highest point of the hill.
History
There was a settlement here in Etruscan and Roman times. During the Middle Ages Montalcino was a free commune, its allegiance varying between Florence and Siena. After the Battle of Montaperti (1260), in which the Florentines were defeated by Siena and the Ghibellines, it submitted to the Sienese, who built a stronghold on the highest point of the hill.
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Fortezza
This 14th C hilltop castle is well preserved, with some portions open to the public.
Church of Sant'Agostino
To the west of the Palazzo Comunale is the Church of Sant'Agostino (14th century), a plain and undecorated Romanesque building (aisleless) with a Gothic doorway; the choir has 15th century frescoes of the Sienese school.
Madonna del Soccorso
On the north side of Montalcino near the Piazza Cavour and Viale Roma stands the 16th to 17th century church of Madonna del Soccorso, a popular place of pilgrimage.
Museo Cívico e Diocesano d'Arte Sacra
Immediately adjoining the Church of Sant'Agostino a former Augustinian convent houses the Museo d'Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art), with a 13th century Romanesque Crucifix, parts of a polyptych by Luca di Tommè (14th century), a number of panel paintings and numerous polychrome wooden statues of the 14th and 15th centuries.
Hours
January 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
April 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Palazzo Comunale
In the center of the little town of Montalcino, still surrounded by its old walls, is the Piazza del Pópolo, in which stands the Palazzo Comunale (13th to 14th century) with a portico, a facade decorated with coats of arms and a tall tower.
Town Walls
There is a rewarding walk to be had round Montalcino's excellently preserved medieval walls, with their six gates and (originally) 19 towers.
