What to visit nearby Montalcino? Explore interesting locations close to this Tuscan town. 

What to see near Montalcino? 10 places to explore

Montalcino, an enchanting medieval village nestled among the hills of Tuscany, is renowned worldwide for its excellent wines, such as the beloved Brunello di Montalcino. However, beyond its renowned wine production, the town and its surroundings offer many other attractions and picturesque places to visit. Here’s what to see near Montalcino.

The historical center of Montalcino and its Fortress

With its thousand-years-old history, Montalcino enchants visitors with its timeless charm and offers a refined and fulfilling travel experience. Enveloped by well-preserved medieval walls, the village of Montalcino is rich with cobblestone streets and ancient stone houses, evoking images of a bygone era. Walking through the historic center is like immersing oneself in a fairytale, where medieval architectures unveil their stories steeped in tradition and nobility. Wondering what to see in Montalcino is, in fact, a question of being ready to embark on a marvelous journey into the past.

One of the most iconic elements of Montalcino is its imposing Fortress, majestically perched atop the village. Built in the XIV century, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, allowing the eyes to wander over the gentle Tuscan hills, rows of vineyards and olive groves, creating a picture of rare beauty. The Fortress often serves as the venue for numerous cultural events, including the renowned Jazz & Wine in Montalcino, a festival dedicated to music and good wine. What can I find near Montalcino?

Villages near Montalcino

One of the most beautiful villages near Montalcino worth visiting is Pienza, known as the "ideal city," renovated by Pope Pius II in the XV century and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural beauty, including Piazza Piccolomini and the Cathedral. Next is Bagno Vignoni, built around a natural hot water spring that magically wells up in a large basin at the center of the square. Then there's Castiglione d'Orcia, a small village dominated by the imposing Rocca di Tentennano, an ancient medieval tower now hosting exhibitions and cultural events. Lastly, Buonconvento boasts the magnificent Clock Tower and Palazzo Podestarile, where you can still admire the 25 coats of arms of the ancient podestà [local leaders - ed.] of this charming village near Montalcino.

Bottle and Glass Museum

The Bottle and Glass Museum, dedicated to Giovanni F. Mariani, is located within the enchanting Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a 14th-century castle nestled in the heart of the village of Poggio alle Mura, which makes it a museum within a museum. Inside, visitors can admire the old castle spaces, such as the former stable and olive press, where the original machinery from 1857 is still preserved. As they follow the exhibition path, they are taken on a journey through the history of glass production, from the exquisite Roman glass artifacts dating back to the V and IV centuries BC to the stunning Picasso masterpiece "La Portatrice."

What to see and do in Val d’Orcia

But Montalcino is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey through the Val d'Orcia, a breathtaking landscape that extends beyond the borders of the village. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Val d'Orcia is a succession of hills shaped by agriculture and dotted with enchanting medieval villages. 

Each glimpse reveals timeless beauty, a landscape painted with warm and harmonious colors that frame winding roads, fields of golden wheat, majestic cypress trees, and orderly vineyards. If you're wondering what to do and see in Val d'Orcia, the possibilities are endless. Whether it is relaxing in a magnificent wine resort or exploring the natural wonders through excursions, trekking, and walks, you will be accompanied by the opportunity to taste the local wines through guided tastings at the nearby wineries.

Relax at Castello Banfi Wine Resort

A vacation in Val d'Orcia turns into an immersive and relaxing experience, where you can delve into the world of wine. Among the highlights to see near Montalcino is the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a fairytale-like medieval village just a short distance away. Here you will have the unique opportunity to stay in an authentic medieval castle. The rooms and suites at Hotel Il Borgo have been created restoring the castle buildings harmoniously blending the old with the new, tradition and contemporary comfort.

You can also deepen your wine knowledge through guided tours of the Banfi wineries or enjoy delightful lunches at the La Taverna restaurant.

Winery Tours

An exhaustive answer to the question of what to see in Montalcino cannot overlook a tour of the wineries and wine shops in the vicinity. This discovery journey into the world of wine will give you the opportunity to explore real wineries and observe the wine production process up close, witnessing how cutting-edge technologies walk hand in hand with age-old traditions. In some places, like at L’Enoteca, a characteristic Tuscan shop located in the Banfi Castle Wine Resort, you can purchase the finest bottles and taste local products and culinary excellences from the region.