Montalcino: Tour the Hilltown Gems of Southern Tuscany
ChiantiOne of the best walled hill town and forts of Tuscany sited in a beautiful position high above the surrounding country side. It played a significant role in Europe's history. A town to genuinely experience the daily working life with little change over the centuries. Our walks take us though a broader and at times more untamed landscape. This landscape includes larger grazing pastures famous for pecorino cheese, river valleys and silhouettes of cypress.
The surrounding hill towns of Montepulciano, Pienza, Monticchiello, San Quirico d'Orcia and the Abbazia di Sant' Antimo combine to create a feast of exploring over the coming days. At Bagno Vignoni we visit the famous Roman mineral spa, and ancient milling system driven by the thermal waters.
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For more information on Pienza
whc.unesco.org
www.nautilus-mp.com
For more information on Montepulciano
www.nautilus-mp.com
Via Walking plan our walk to the beautiful abbey of Abbazia di Sant' Antimo to explore and experience a short mass conducted in a haunting Gregorian chant. The abbey is maintained by a small number of French monks who live at the abbey.
For more information
www.abbeys-of-tuscany.com
For more information on Via Francigena
www.viafrancigena.com
If you are considering joining the "Hilltown Gems of Southern Italy" walking tour, it is worthwhile reading "Vanilla Beans and Brodo and Bel Vino" by Isabella Dusi.
For more information
www.vanilla-beans-and-brodo.com
http://www.montalcinoitaly.com/
History of Montalcino
Montalcino is situated on a hill covered with olive groves and the famous Brunello vineyards. Its position dominating the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valley.
Already inhabited in Etruscan and Roman times, Montalcino became a possession of the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo. It then became a commune and after the battle of Monteaperti(1260) it entered the Sienese sphere of influence. In 1361 the Sienese built the fortress, which, after the town was conquered by the Florentines in 1555, held out until 1559.Surrounded by walls, the oldest part of Montalcino is located along the main street, the via Matteotti, which widens to form the Piazza del Popolo, the medieval centre of the town. At the point where Via Matteotti enters the piazza stands the "Palazzo dei Priori" now the town hall, built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Facing the piazza is a large "loggia" comprising six round arches; built in the 14th and 15th centuries.
On the highest part of the hill is the fortress; an outstanding example of military architecture, it was built on a pentagonal plan in 1361.
For more information on The Museo Civico
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Accommodation
Our accommodation for the week is a three-star family run hotel, every room with uninterrupted views over the Val d’ Orca and just metres away from the two central piazzas.
Although operating as a hotel over many centuries, our rooms have been recently rejuvenated with every modern facility yet retain their original charm and atmosphere.
There is an excellent dining room attached to the Hotel. Breakfast is worth lingering over as the view over the Val d’ Orca in the morning is a real treat.
Wine of Montalcino
The strong vibrant community of Montalcino is based on the famous Brunello wine, produced only in the surrounding region and considered one of Italy’s finest.
Enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee at Fiaschetteria in Piazza del Popolo. This is a wonderful tiled old café that will stay in your memories of Montalcino.
For more information
www.montalcino-tuscany.com
www.pantagruel.com.ua
www.castellobanfi.com
www.consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it
Montalcino Tuscan Food
Montalcino has many good restaurants. From the fine Taverna Grappolo Blu mentioned in “Vanilla Beans and Brodo” to the Enoteca located in the tower and courtyard of the ancient fortress.
Pici a thick handmade pasta, Tuscan Sausage with white beans, and a selection of fine Tuscan pecorino cheeses with a dab of honey are a sample of what Montalcino cuisine has to offer.
If fava(broad beans) are still available in May a wonderful dish is Pecorino cheese, young raw fava beans, a dash of olive oil and unsalted Tuscan bread.
Montalcino is also known for its honey. The wildflowers in spring and summer are spectacular, a smorgasbord of nectar for the bees.
One of our walks ends in Pienza the home of Pecorino cheese. There will be plenty of time to sample these wonderful cheeses. Pecorino cheese is produced in every region of Central & Southern Italy and is made from ewe’s milk. The rennet used is the dried stomach of a milk-fed lamb. The best varieties of pecorino are romano, sardo, siciliano & toscano.
Pecorino Romano is the best for grating because of its strong piquant flavour.
Pecorino Sardo can be eaten two weeks after it has been made, when used as a table cheese. It should not mature for any more than three months. It is very tasty, slightly salty & piquant, the piquancy increasing with age.
Pecorino Sicilano is the only one that can be eaten the day after when the flavour is at its milkiest. In this state it is called tuma. After a month it acquires a stronger but still milky flavour that remains for about three months.
Montalcino Shopping
Montalcino is a strong, vibrant community. This is reflected in the village shops, which cater for a complete range of produce, and necessities a local community needs. There is also a good selection of interesting shops for the traveler. From butchers, haberdashery, children’s clothing, fabric, hardware, and a fish shop which is behind a steel door set into the stone wall dividing Costa del Municipio and Piazza Garibaldi; a sight to behold.
Market day in Montalcino is on a Friday. Not only is there fresh produce but local artists also display their work.
Useful notes on Montalcino
- An internet café is available at Caffè Wine Bar "Alle Logge" in Piazza del Popolo. There is also another provider available further down Via Mazzini. Very helpful but not open on Sundays.
- EFTPOS machines are available to access your bank account. These are situated in Piazza del Popolo and Via Matteotti.
- There is a Co-op/Super Market for groceries if you need additional snacks, tissues etc. located on Viale della Liberta
- The only Laundromat is next door to the Co-Op/Super Market. A travel clothes line plus a couple of blow up coat hangers are very worthwhile taking with you.
- Montalcino has delicatessens and many Enotecas for wine tasting and buying.
- Montalcino has both Pharmacies and a Hospital.
- Fresh fruit is available in Montalcino (often needed to offset the abundance of beautiful cheeses and meats).
- We carry our picnic lunch some days so space is needed in your day pack along with room to peel off unwanted clothes as the day heats up, and of course room for your own water supply. The local water is fine to drink and you can refill your bottle each day if you choose.
- If hay fever is an issue for you we strongly advise carrying antihistamine. Perhaps two varieties in case your regular brand does not overcome the prolific and beautiful Tuscan spring blooms.
- Retail closing days are often rotated between similar shops. This is generally the pattern for all the restaurants and shops.
- Shops also generally open between 8.30am and 1.00pm and from 4:00pm to 8.00pm. A civilised siesta takes place in the missing hours.
- We prefer to walk in shorts and these are acceptable at our lunch time restaurants. The choice is yours, long pants or shorts what ever you feel comfortable in.
- It’s not a bad idea to refresh your memory by rechecking our “What to bring and Wear” section of the web site. One item that is often forgotten is a light rain coat. Yes, it does rain in Tuscany at times.
- For a healthy choice for breakfast bring your own muesli or nuts as the Italian breakfast is fantastic but limited.
Via Walking. 534 Park Street,
Princes Hill, 3054 Victoria, Australia
ABN: 1234 1234 1234 t: +61 3 9387 8045 f: +61 33 9380 2541
m: +61 417 590 535 e: sue@viawalking.com.au
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