This is the largest Comune in the Sienese Valdichiana and contains six other villages: Abbadia di Montepulciano, Acquaviva, Gracciano, Montepulciano Stazione, S.Albino and Valiano.
The poet Agnolo Ambrogini (known as “il Poliziano” from the Latin “mons Politianus”) was born here. The town is said to have been founded by the Etruscan king Porsenna and exhibits impressive architecture, mainly but not only Renaissance. Michelozzo, Baldassarre Peruzzi and Vignola all worked here, as did Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio who designed the temple of San Biagio.
Apart from the wonders of the historical centre of Montepulciano the tourist would do well to visit the spa centre at S.Albino. The local economy is based on agriculture and the town is famous for its Vino Nobile. In th summer the town hosts the “Cantiere Internazionale d’arte” and in the mid-Augut holidays the “Bruscello”, a traditional show spoken in rhyme, is performed on the Cathedral steps.
On August 29 a wine barrel race, the “Bravìo”, is run between the different contrade, or districts, of the town and there is a procession in 13th-century dress