Montalcino Fortress (Fortezza di Montalcino) Tours
The lovely Tuscan hilltop town of Montalcino is world-famous for its rich red Brunello wines, but it also has a spectacular centro storico, with winding streets that lead up to the imposing five-sided Montalcino Fortress (Fortezza di Montalcino). Built in 1361 on top of earlier medieval structures, the site today includes a cobbled courtyard enclosed by sturdy watchtowers and a medieval chapel as well as a top-quality enoteca (wine shop) for tasting and selling the local Brunellos. The ramparts are open to walk around, offering spectacular views of the vineyards and olive groves of the Val d’Orcia.
In the Middle Ages, Montalcino was a settlement of considerable importance thanks to its proximity to the Via Francigena pilgrimage route between France and Rome, but under control of the Republic of Siena it became consistently embroiled in territory warfare with Florence. It was the last Tuscan town to hold out against the might of the Medicis, and although Siena fell in 1555 and despite a four-year siege, Montalcino's fortress never fell to Florentine troops. Cosimo I added its imposing ramparts in 1571, but the fortress lost its military significance soon after; over the years it housed a community of Benedictine monks but gradually fell into disrepair before restorations took place in the 1940s.
Practical Info
The fortress is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs €4 for adults and €2 for seniors and children. There is unfortunately no wheelchair-accessible entrance. Montalcino is 26 miles (42 km) south of Siena along the scenic SR2 and can be reached in 50 minutes. Alternatively, a bus from Siena takes an hour.
Address: Piazzale della Fortezza, Montalcino, Tuscany 53024, Italy
Hours: Tue–Sun 9am–6pm
Admission: Adults: €4, Seniors & children: €2
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Montalcino Fortress (Fortezza di Montalcino)
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Montalcino and Pienza, The Dream land
Experience the real Tuscan essence by visiting the Orcia Valley and its beautiful villages! Meet you guide in Montalcino, where the world-famous Brunello wine is produced! Wonder through the Medieval twisty streets and explore the Fortress, whose design became a model for all the Tuscan cities, the “Chiesa dei Senesi” and then head to the square housing the “Palazzo Comunale”; learn about the history of the village and its importance. Take a walk to the Cathedral for an amazing view on the valley surrounding Montalcino and stop for a glass of the celebrated Brunello before heading to Pienza! After a scenic drive through the vineyards, you will arrive in the heart of the Orcia! Pienza it’s a real and unexpected Renaissance jewel. Enjoy the artistic beauty by discovering the Cathedral as well as the Piccolomini Palace, once home to the Pope Pius II, among many other architectural jewels. Walk along the city walls for a breathtaking view and a tasting of the famous pecorino cheese.
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From
$675.02
Price varies by group size
From
$675.02
Price varies by group size
Small-Group Brunello di Montalcino Wine-Tasting Trip from Siena
Spend a day sipping one of Italy’s top wines, Brunello di Montalcino, on this day trip from Siena. Led by an expert guide, travel to the cellars to learn about the production process and meet the locals behind the delicious red wine. Then, pause at a family-run winery for an authentic Tuscan lunch before exploring the village of Montalcino and the abbey of Sant'Antimo. Stop for additional tastings along the way and conclude with transportation back to Siena. Group size is reserved to eight people for a more intimate experience.
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From
$169.87
From
$169.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Half-Day Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour from Siena
Spend an afternoon in the wine town of Montalcino, tasting the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino and learning about wine production. This tour from Siena that tasting of local wine paired with salami and cured meat. Admire views of the Tuscan countryside from the pretty hill town and discover the region’s generations-old winemaking traditions.
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From
$84.93
From
$84.93
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
San Gimignano, Chianti, and Montalcino Day Trip from Siena
Visit San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Montalcino on a day trip from Siena, and discover medieval architecture, wine, and stunning views of Tuscany. With ample free time in each of the hill towns, the tour also includes lunch at a Monteriggioni winery plus samples of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wine.
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From
$121.33
From
$121.33
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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