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Prices per night, for a room only, range from EURO €55 to €65 depending on the season. For a room with breakfast, prices range from €60 to €70. For an apartment, prices range from €65 to €75 a night. Light, gas, heating and water are included.
The community of Montepulciano contains six other villages: Abbadia di Montepulciano, Acquaviva, Gracciano, Montepulciano Stazione, San Albino and Valiano. The town has a fascinating history: the poet Agnolo Ambrogini (known as 'Il Poliziano') was born here. Montepulciano is said to have been founded by the Etruscan king Porsenna and has some impressive architecture, mainly but not exclusively dating from the Renaissance. Michelozzo, Baldassarre Peruzzi and Vignola all worked here, as did Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio, who designed the temple of San Biagio.
Apart from the wonders of the historical centre of Montepulciano, you should visit the spa centre at San Albino. The local economy is based on agriculture and produces excellent wines - the town is famous for its Vino Nobile. In the summer the town hosts the Cantiere Internazionale d'arte. And in the mid-August holidays the Bruscello, a traditional show spoken in rhyme, is performed on the Cathedral steps. On 29 August a wine barrel race, the Bravìo, is run between the different contrade, or districts, of the town and there is a procession in 13th-century dress.
Nearby you'll find the fascinating town of Pienza, a mediaeval 'new town'. Pienza stands on the top of a hill overlooking the splendid Val d'Orcia. Enea Silvio Piccolomini was born here in 1405 and, when he became Pope Pius II in 1458, he decided to transform his modest village into the perfect town, entrusting the design to one Bernardo Rossellino. Piazza Pio II is intact to this day, containing the cathedral and Palazzo Piccolomini. The town's main axis is the Corso Rossellino, lined with houses built by the nobility in the 14th century.
Pienza is a mainly agricultural centre, particularly famous for its pecorino cheese. The traditional cheese show, Fiera del cacao, takes place on the first Sunday each September. The flower show, Pienza e i fiori, takes place in mid May. Also to be visited is Monticchiello, made famous by its Teatro Povero, with new play enacted each summer by the local inhabitants.
It's only a taste of the delights that await you in the Crete Senese. Find out more by clicking below.
