Montalcino
Montalcino rises in the heart of southern Tuscany. In the Middle Age the territory of Montalcino was divided between four ecclesiastical areas: Arezzo, Chiusi, Grosseto and Siena.
Montalcino rises in the heart of southern Tuscany. In the Middle Age the territory of Montalcino was divided between four ecclesiastical areas: Arezzo, Chiusi, Grosseto and Siena. This subdivision mirrored that of the antiquity, in fact here met the territories of the important Etruscan 'Lucumonies of' Arezzo, Chiusi, Roselle (Grosseto) and perhaps also of Volterra. Many recoveries of this time are today preserved in the Archaeological museum of Montalcino.
The medieval history of this area is full of innumerable black holes, that's why the whole written documentation was preserved in the destroyed archives of the abbey of S.Antimo, from which the castle depended. Also the fact that the Francigena Road passed at east of the town, near the settlement of Torrenieri, didn't helped us to retrieve historical notices preceeding the second half of 12th century.
One of the town walls gates connected with the castle at the level of the S.Giovanni tower.
The history that we know starts from the end of the 12th century, with the free town of Montalcino allied with Siena during the war of the 1176, lost, against Florence.
Montalcino offered resistence to the expansionists aims of Siena and the alliance was broken, consequently in the mid-13th century the castle was destroyed by the senese army, momentarily in peace with that Florentine (busy to eliminate the analogous obstacle constituted by Semifonte). The renewal of hostilities with Florence prevented the Senesi to complete the conquest of Montalcino but the castle remained under the protectorate of the Church and the Commune of Siena. After a rebellion attempt to conquer again its autonomy, in 1232 the castle was reoccupied and forced to a new alliance with Siena. After another insurrection in the 1252 the castle was conquered again by the Senesi but immediately lost due to the intervention in its help of Florence and Grosseto. To Montaperti battle Montalcino lined up with Florence against Siena and the victory of this last didn't do anything else than bring the city to a new loss of autonomy. In 1269 Siena was again defeat at Colle Valdelsa and Montalcino was freed again. Only after half the 14th century the castle returned under the control of Siena. In this period the fortifications were reconstructed to better control the city center.
The northeast tower.
By now Montalcino was Senese and in the 15th century became one of the most important centers of the Republic territory. In the following century the city and the castle withstand in 1553 the siege of the Medicean and Imperial army, during the war that brought Siena to the definitive capitulation of 1555. After the surrender many citizens of Siena reached Montalcino where, headed by Pietro Strozzi, let relive in exile the Republic. The city became the chief town of the territories not conquered by the Florentines and resisted until 1559 when, isolated by the fall of the castles of Talamone and Castiglione della Pescaia, offered its surrender and sworn fidelity to Cosimo de' Medici.
The castle is today practically intact. Its construction was begun in 1361 on the southern vertex of the 13th century city walls, incorporating the keep of S.Martino and the S.Giovanni tower. It looks as classic castle-enclosure, with pentagonal plant endowed with towers to all the angles. The tower of southeast is placed by the side of the keep. The walls and the towers have still practicable the complete watch-walk endowed of machicoulis (projection from the wall made of stone which has openings through which the defenders can fire upon an enemy directly below) in stone, supported by bows on brackets with inverted pyramid form. The northern towers are open on the side facing the courtyard. The castle incorporated also an ancient little basilica that became the chapel of the fortification, and its rests are still visible near the northeast tower. On the south side rise the mighty Medicean rampart, added by Cosimo at the half of the 16th century.
Montalcino: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Montepulciano (Siena)
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26 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Siena (Siena)
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33 km from Montalcino
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 -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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52 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
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55 km from Montalcino
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.
Booking ONLINE
Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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57 km from Montalcino
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. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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58 km from Montalcino
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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58 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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63 km from Montalcino
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. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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63 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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67 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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68 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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79 km from Montalcino
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. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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121 km from Montalcino
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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129 km from Montalcino
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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130 km from Montalcino
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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