Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pizzeria, which is a great place to source a cheap and quick snack. Try the
pizza pummarò
(with cherry tomatoes,
mozzarella di bufala
and basil).
Townhouse Caffè
( 0578 74 90 05;
www.labanditatownhouse.com
;
Via Rossellino 111, enter from Via San Andrea; break-
fast €10, light lunch €15, dinner €30; 7-11pm Mon & Tue, 8am-11pm Wed-Sun, )
After visiting
Piazza Pio II, consider spending an hour or two lingering over a light lunch, coffee or
glass of wine in this cafe's medieval walled garden. The menu relies heavily on local or-
ganic produce for its inspiration (fancy a burger made with Chianina beef and topped with
melted fresh pecorino and mint mayonnaise?) and there's a well-considered wine list.
MODERN TUSCAN
€€
Getting There & Away
BUS
Two Siena Mobilità buses run between Siena and Pienza (€5.50, 70 minutes) and nine
travel to/from Montepulciano (€2.50). The bus stops are just off Piazza Dante Alighieri.
Buy tickets at one of the nearby bars.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
The public car park near the centre charges €1.50 per hour and fills quickly. Be warned
that local traffic officers are quick to fine cars that overstay their ticket.
Montepulciano
POP 14,188
Exploring this reclaimed narrow ridge of volcanic rock will push your quadriceps to their
failure point. When this happens, self-medicate with a generous pour of the highly reputed
Vino Nobile while drinking in the spectacular views over the Val di Chiana and Val
d'Orcia.
Sights
Montepulciano's streets harbour a wealth of
palazzi,
other fine buildings and churches.
The main street, called in stages Via di Gracciano nel Corso, Via di Voltaia del Corso
and Via dell'Opio nel Corso ('the Corso'), climbs uphill from Porta dal Prato, near the car
park on Piazza Don Minzoni. Halfway along its length are Michelozzo's
Chiesa di
