Piazza Grande Montepulciano
Montepulciano's magnificent Piazza Grande, a Renaissance masterpiece offering stunning views and 'Twilight' filming fame.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Piazza Grande Montepulciano
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Montepulciano's magnificent Piazza Grande, a Renaissance masterpiece offering stunning views and 'Twilight' filming fame.
"A must-visit for lovers of history, architecture, and wine alike — Montepulciano will surely capture your heart."
Wear comfy shoes! 👟
Montepulciano is hilly! You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones.
Climb the tower for views ⬆️
The Palazzo Comunale tower offers incredible panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palazzo Comunale Tower
Piazza Grande
Ascend for panoramic views of the Valdichiana and the charming Tuscan landscape. A truly unforgettable vista.
Twilight Filming Location
Piazza Grande
Relive scenes from 'New Moon' where this iconic square stood in for Volterra. A must for fans!
+1
Renaissance Architecture
Piazza Grande
Admire the Duomo, Palazzo Comunale, and the elegant Renaissance well, showcasing the town's rich history.
Contucci Winery
Piazza Grande
Experience a wine tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano right in the heart of the historic center.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Piazza Grande
Getting Around Montepulciano
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! 👟
Montepulciano is hilly! You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones.
Climb the tower for views ⬆️
The Palazzo Comunale tower offers incredible panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Twilight fan? Visit! ✨
Piazza Grande was a filming location for 'New Moon.' Look for souvenirs!
Wine tasting in the square 🍷
Visit Contucci winery for a taste of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano right on Piazza Grande.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! 👟
Montepulciano is hilly! You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones.
Climb the tower for views ⬆️
The Palazzo Comunale tower offers incredible panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Twilight fan? Visit! ✨
Piazza Grande was a filming location for 'New Moon.' Look for souvenirs!
Wine tasting in the square 🍷
Visit Contucci winery for a taste of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano right on Piazza Grande.
Explore the side streets 🚶♀️
Don't just stay in the main square; wander the charming, atmospheric alleys.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piazza Grande is a breathtaking historical gem, lauded for its stunning Renaissance architecture and panoramic Tuscan views. Visitors rave about its charm, especially the Palazzo Comunale tower and its 'Twilight' filming history. Some note the steep climb to reach it, but deem it well worth the effort for the unforgettable experience.
"Beautiful historical center of the central. Must visit day and evening."
Mike Angove
"Charming public square in Montepulciano -- go up into the tower of the Palazzo Comunale for one of the best views of the Valdichiana"
Stuart Hoegner
"Very beautiful place and the souvenir shop sells Twilight: New Moon merchandise."
Laura Lauziniece
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Montepulciano is by train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station, then taking a bus directly to Montepulciano. If driving, park outside the historic center as it's largely pedestrianized.
Driving directly into Piazza Grande is not recommended due to its pedestrian nature and steep, narrow streets. It's best to park in designated areas outside the town walls and walk.
Walking is the primary way to explore Montepulciano. Be prepared for hills and cobblestones. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Taxis are available, but they will likely drop you off at the edge of the historic center, and you'll still need to walk up to Piazza Grande.
Yes, many guided tours of Tuscany include Montepulciano and Piazza Grande. You can also hire private drivers or join wine tours that stop here.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piazza Grande itself is a public square and is free to enter. However, there are fees for attractions within the piazza, such as the Palazzo Comunale tower.
Piazza Grande is always accessible as it's an outdoor public space. Individual attractions within the piazza, like the Duomo and Palazzo Comunale, have their own operating hours.
There is a small entrance fee to climb the Palazzo Comunale tower for the views. Prices can vary, so it's best to check on-site.
Piazza Grande hosts various events throughout the year, including markets, concerts, and historical reenactments. Check local listings for schedules.
Yes, some souvenir shops around Piazza Grande sell merchandise related to 'Twilight: New Moon,' which was filmed there.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire piazza is picturesque! Key spots include the view from the Palazzo Comunale tower, the Duomo facade, and the Renaissance well. Capture the surrounding Renaissance buildings too.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. Golden hour provides a magical glow.
Photography rules can vary inside buildings. It's best to check for signage or ask permission before taking pictures inside the Duomo or Palazzo Comunale.
Absolutely! The view from the Palazzo Comunale tower offers stunning panoramic vistas of the Valdichiana valley.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the architectural details and wider views. A wide-angle lens is useful for the piazza itself.
🍽️ 🍷 Wine & Dining
Contucci winery is located directly on Piazza Grande and offers tastings. Many other cantinas and enotecas are within walking distance.
While Piazza Grande is more about historical sites, there are restaurants and cafes in the immediate vicinity offering local Tuscan cuisine.
It's a prestigious red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes (called Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano) and is a DOCG wine.
Yes, many wine tours depart from or can be arranged to pick you up from Montepulciano, allowing you to explore the surrounding vineyards.
Besides Vino Nobile, try local specialties like pici pasta, wild boar dishes, and pecorino cheese.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The climb up to the piazza can be a bit strenuous, so consider this if you have very young children or strollers. However, the open space of the piazza allows kids to move around, and the views from the Palazzo Comunale tower can be a fun adventure. 🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Beyond the square, the entire region is dedicated to wine production, with numerous cantinas and vineyards to explore. Consider booking a wine tour or renting a car to visit producers in the surrounding countryside. 🎬 Twilight Fans
+1 You can walk through the very spots where key scenes were shot and even find souvenir shops selling 'Twilight'-themed merchandise. It's a unique opportunity to connect with the magic of the films in a real-world setting. The Palazzo Comunale tower also offers a dramatic backdrop reminiscent of the movie's atmosphere. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Montepulciano's Piazza Grande
One of the most captivating features is the Renaissance well adorned with sculpted animals, adding a touch of whimsy to the grandeur. For an unparalleled perspective, visitors can climb the tower of the Palazzo Comunale. This ascent rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Valdichiana valley, a quintessential Tuscan landscape dotted with vineyards and olive groves.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Piazza Grande holds a special place in popular culture. It gained international fame as a filming location for the 'Twilight Saga: New Moon', where it doubled for the city of Volterra. This has made it a pilgrimage site for fans, adding another layer of allure to the already enchanting square.
+1 Exploring the nooks and crannies of Piazza Grande, perhaps with a glass of local Vino Nobile in hand, offers an immersive experience into the soul of Tuscany.Experiencing Montepulciano's Wine Culture
The town itself is dotted with ancient cantinas (wine cellars) carved into the tufa rock beneath the historic buildings, many of which are open for tours and tastings. Several wineries are conveniently located within or very close to Piazza Grande, offering visitors a chance to sample this celebrated wine without venturing far. Contucci is one such winery, situated right on the piazza, providing an accessible introduction to Vino Nobile.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the square, the surrounding countryside is a tapestry of vineyards, and exploring these is a quintessential Tuscan experience. Many visitors opt to hire a car or join organized wine tours to discover the smaller producers and hidden gems. When visiting, remember that wine tasting is not just about the beverage; it's about understanding the terroir, the winemaking process, and the passion of the vintners. Engaging with local producers offers a deeper appreciation for the dedication that goes into every bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
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