Montalcino

Travel Guide
Montalcino showing a sunset and heritage architecture
Famous for its viniculture, this hilltop town also has a walled old town decorated with a majestic fortress, churches and piazzas.

Wine enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers flock to the picturesque town of Montalcino. Perched on a hill above Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, the town boasts a stimulating mix of enoteche (wine stores), ancient monuments and museums. First settled around A.D. 800, Montalcino grew into a medieval stronghold and later achieved worldwide fame for its production of Brunello di Montalcino wine.

The crisscrossing streets and staircases of the wall-enclosed historic quarter are ideal to explore on foot. Start your visit at Fortezza di Montalcino (aka Rocca), a huge fortress built in the 1300s. Enjoy views of the surrounding valleys, vineyards and orchards from the tower and ramparts. Sample local wines at the fortress’s own enoteca.

Follow the streets down from the fortress to Piazza del Popolo. Here you’ll find architectural treasures such as the arched Loggia and the town hall, Palazzo dei Priori. Nearby is the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino and Montalcino Cathedral, notable for its Corinthian-style entrance and collection of antique art.

Spot more art, such as exhibitions of 14th- and 15th-century works by Sienese masters, at the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.

Vying for space with the town’s historic buildings are the enoteche and osteria (taverns). Take time out from sightseeing and treat yourself to a flight of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Alternatively, watch the world go from a café terrace while sipping on a coffee.

A great time to visit is in July, when the town is in full festival swing. The Jazz and Wine Festival takes over the fortress with live concerts and the Festival della Val d’Orcia hosts dance and theatrical performances.

Montalcino is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south from Siena. Be sure to visit attractions located outside of the town center, including the 8th-century Sant’Antimo Abbey. Stop off on the way at the Brunello Museum to learn about the town’s winemaking history.

Ideal for daytrips and weekend breaks, Montalcino is also a great base for exploring the Val d’Orcia. Relax in the thermal baths in Bagni San Filippo or go hiking and skiing at Mount Amiata.

SI Montalcino Hotel
SI Montalcino Hotel
3 out of 5
Via Osticcio 21, Montalcino, SI
The price is NT$4,216 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$4,216
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fortress of Montalcino and Tenuta Greppo Franco ...
9/10 Wonderful! (266 reviews)
"It’s a lovely property on the outskirts of the city. It served a good breakfast."

Reviewed on 2023/10/20

SI Montalcino Hotel
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
5 out of 5
Localita Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, SI
The price is NT$32,322 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
NT$32,322
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Castiglion del Bosco Winery and Corte ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Best service we have ever received! They are so friendly and accommodating! Will definitely visit again"

Reviewed on 2023/11/19

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery
Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery
5 out of 5
Località Velona, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Montalcino, SI
The price is NT$20,714 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
NT$20,714
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and Museum of Brunello ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (281 reviews)
Unforgettable. Relive a piece of history.
"Amazing place and location. Breathtaking views, beautiful outdoor and indoor pools with thermal water, luxurious spa. Wonderful restaurant with the best Tuscan specialties, second to none wine list. Beautiful room with own private garden, entire property and gardens impeccably maintained, peaceful ..."

Reviewed on 2023/10/21

Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel San Gregorio
Hotel San Gregorio
3 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 4, Pienza, Siena
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 spa tubs. Popular attractions RI Crea RE and Enoteca Di Ghino ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"Good place for road-trip"

Reviewed on 2023/11/23

Hotel San Gregorio
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Piazza San Giovanni, 13, Siena, SI
Stay at this residence in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Siena Baptistry and Siena Crypt are located nearby. Discover ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"10/10! This is a beautiful hotel with the friendliest staff. The rooms were great and we loved the location."

Reviewed on 2023/12/6

Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Casanova - Panoramic Rooms and Suites
Casanova - Panoramic Rooms and Suites
3 out of 5
Strada Provinciale 146 di Chianciano, Località Casanova 6/c, San Quirico d'Orcia
Stay at this 3-star spa residence in San Quirico d'Orcia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Palazzo Chigi and Horti Leonini ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Beautiful location convenient to many Tuscany sites."

Reviewed on 2023/10/22

Casanova - Panoramic Rooms and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Montalcino

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 87.5%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 12.5%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Katie
Oct 31, 2019

Amazing wines, beautiful views, charming visit

5/5 - Excellent

Elias
Oct 7, 2019

If you dont love wine you will love Montalcino and the Toscana region...if you love wine, abd Brunello in particular, you may NEVER want to leave!!殺

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 27, 2019

Great wine country. Do a wine tasting while you're there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 14, 2019

Loved Montalcino - favorite part of our entire trip!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 18, 2019

Excellent place to visit and I would want to live there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 11, 2019

Beautiful area, wonderful wines, good restaurants and nice shops.

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