Page 204 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

202 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

Right (all) Montisi, a pretty town set among
beautiful natural scenery that has attracted
a thriving community of artists
VISITING MONTEPULCIANO
Tourist Information
Piazza Don Minzoni 1, 53045; 0578 757
341; www.prolocomontepulciano.it
WHERE TO STAY
MONTEPULCIANO
Il Borghetto inexpensive–moderate
This value-for-money hotel near the
entrance to the historic centre offers
a warm welcome. Car parking available.
Via Borgo Buio 7, 53045; 0578 757 535;
www.ilborghetto.it
Locanda di San Francesco expensive
This central family-run hotel has large
rooms and stunning country views.
Piazza San Francesco 5, 53045; 0578
758 725
7 Montepulciano the cantinas around Piazza Grande.
PIENZA Siena, Toscana; 53045 Leave Montepulciano west along
Podere Spedalone moderate Set in a commanding position at Via di San Biagio to see Tempio di San
This tranquil farm experience with good 600 m (1,970 ft), Montepulciano Biagio (open daily), the Renaissance
rooms and a pool also offers dinner with affords spectacular views of the masterpiece of a church designed by
Giancarlo, the farmer, and his friends.
Podere Spedalone 11, 53026; 338 705 surrounding landscape. Located Antonio da Sangallo The Elder in 1529.
2912; www.poderespedalone.it on a major crossroads, it became ª Return downhill to crossroad with
an important conquest of Florence SP146. Turn left on Via San Biagio to
MONTISI in 1511. The 1.5-km (1-mile) walk Tempio di San Biagio. Head south on
La Romita inexpensive–moderate uphill into town, from Porta al Prato Viale della Rimembranza, then turn
The Bindi family have run this relaxing
hotel since 1633. It also has apartments. to Piazza Grande, the centre of the right at SS146. At Pienza, park in Via
Via Umberto I 144, 53020; 0577 town, with the Duomo and the degli Archi.
845186; www.laromita.net Palazzo Communale, is challenging,
but worth it for the splendid views 8 Pienza
LUCIGNANO and charm of the old civic buildings. Siena, Toscana; 53026
I Girasoli inexpensive
Hotel and apartments with two pools Most visitors will know the name This is one of the few places in the
and a tennis court. Great for families. of the town from its high-quality red world where visitors can be in two
Selve di Sotto, 52046; 057 581 9020; wine, the prestigious Vino Nobile di Unesco World Heritage sites at once:
www.igirasoli.ar.it Montepulciano, the first in Italy to Pienza and the Val d’Orcia, over which
receive the Denominazione di Origine the town has a stunning view. The
Below The early Renaissance façade of the Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). It town was remodelled in 1458–62 by
Duomo in Piazza Pio II, Pienza can, of course, be sampled in any of Pope Pius II, who left his symbol, a
crescent moon, on every available
surface. Pienza is an architectural
marvel with an exquisite Duomo
(1459) on Piazza Pio II – a landmark in
Renaissance architecture. Zeffirelli’s
Romeo and Juliet (1968) and The
English Patient (1996) were both
filmed here. Visit Palazzo Piccolomini
(closed Mon), the pope’s former
residence and now a museum of
opulent interiors. Pienza is also
famous for its Pecorino cheese – visit
Zazzeri (Il Rossellino 6) to taste and buy.
ª Turn left at Via San Gregorio/SS146
around to the right. Slight right at SP
di Cosona/SP71, then carry on to
Castelmuzio. Park in Via della Trove.
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

200-205_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 202 06/10/17 2:59 pm
Back Roads LAYERS PRINTED:
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Date 02 November 2009
Size 145mm x 217mm
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