Barrel rolling at the Bravio delle Botti
One of Italy's most unusual sporting events will be held in Montepulciano on August 25th.
Barrel rolling at the Bravio delle Botti
One of Italy's most unusual sporting events will be held in Montepulciano on August 25th.
A centuries-old race takes place in the tiny village's stone streets on the last Sunday in August each year, with eight teams competing to roll enormous empty wine barrels along the course in the quickest time possible.
Each barrel is rolled by two 'springitori' (barrel rollers), representing a different district of the village. They compete for a palio - the painted silk banner traditionally awarded to Tuscan sporting victors - etched with an image of San Giovanni Decollato, the patron saint of Montepulciano.
The commemorative race has been held over the same course for six centuries. Though its exact roots are unclear, it certainly predates 1373, in which a whole chapter of the statute published that year was dedicated to the proper running of the palio.
Like most palios of the region, including the famous Palio di Siena, Montepulciano's event was originally a horse race. However, for reasons of public order, it was converted to a barrel race in 1974 at the behest of a local priest.
The event begins with hundreds of villagers and tourists taking part in a traditional parade in the late afternoon.
Then, at seven in the evening the village's bell tolls, and the springitori begin rolling the barrels along the 1,800 metre course. The race takes about ten minutes to complete.
Montepulciano: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Montepulciano (Siena)
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3 km from Montepulciano
Agriturismo le Caggiole
Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
Booking ONLINE
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
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32 km from Montepulciano
Rocca di Pierle
Set within the green hills of Tuscany, a few kilometers away from the old Etruscan town of Cortona farmhouse Rocca di Pierle is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in contact with the pace of nature.
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Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Siena (Siena)
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47 km from Montepulciano
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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62 km from Montepulciano
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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67 km from Montepulciano
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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68 km from Montepulciano
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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72 km from Montepulciano
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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73 km from Montepulciano
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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78 km from Montepulciano
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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85 km from Montepulciano
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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86 km from Montepulciano
Villa Roccamare Castiglione della Pescaia 12 beds
Beautiful and characteristic villa with stone finishes located in the exclusive Roccamare area in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Availability request
Surrounded by the green of the pine forest and the total privacy with 2000 sqm park equipped with relaxation area and barbecue is located about 400 meters from the sea and has a private beach. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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90 km from Montepulciano
Villa Punta Ala 9 beds pool
Beautiful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery and tranquility of the exclusive tourist destination Punta Ala and small attic used as service personnel only 300 meters from the sea of Tuscany.
Availability request
This ideal solution for those who want to spend their holidays near the beautiful sea of Punta Ala with the comforts of an exclusive villa. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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134 km from Montepulciano
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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144 km from Montepulciano
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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146 km from Montepulciano
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy.
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