Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VAL DI CHIANA
Straddling the provinces of Siena and Arezzo, this scenic valley is known for its food and
wine. Dining in its major town, Montepulciano, is a highlight - particularly if you opt for
the local Chianina beef washed down with a glass or two of the famous Vino Nobile.
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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.
A late-Etruscan fort was the first in a series of settlements here. During the Middle Ages,
the town was a constant bone of contention between Florence and Siena. Florence eventu-
ally won the day in 1404 and the Marzocco, or lion of Florence, came to replace the she-
wolf of Siena as the city's symbol. The new administration invited architects including
Michelozzo and Sangallo il Vecchio to design new buildings and endow this Gothic strong-
hold with some Renaissance grace and style. That intriguing mix alone makes the steep
climbs worthwhile.
