Things to see and do Montalcino

In the main square of Montalcino, piazza del Popolo, stands this unmistakable palace of Sienese inspiration from the late 13th century, now the town hall. At its feet, the portico houses a statue of Cosmos I of Tuscany, by Giovanni Berti (16th century). It is surmounted by a high belfry and flanked by a Renaissance-style loggia with six 14th and 15th century Gothic arches. Also known as the Palazzo dei Priori, it is decorated with the heraldic coats of arms of the many podestats that successively ruled the city over the centuries.

The Fattoria dei Barbi extends over 306 hectares between Montalcino and Scansano, with a production of around 800,000 bottles per year, including 200,000 from Brunello. This famous property, held since 1790 by the Colombinis, a noble family from Siena, produces the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. Asuperbly balanced wine, with an intense garnet colour, a complex nose and aromas of cherries, prunes, truffles and spices, which you can taste after visiting the splendid cellars, now owned by Stefano Cinelli Colombini.