Family Adventure in Montepulciano: Wine, History, and Culture

A Day in Siena
Today was a day of immersion into the heart of Tuscany. We ventured into the historic city of Siena, a place where time seems to slow down, and every corner tells a story. It was a day filled with architectural wonders, artistic masterpieces, and, of course, delightful culinary experiences. Join me as I recount our family's exploration of this medieval gem.

Our day began with a scenic drive from Montepulciano to Siena. The rolling hills of Tuscany greeted us, their beauty enhanced by the morning sun. Alessia, ever the curious one, kept pointing out the vineyards and olive groves, peppering us with questions about how wine and olive oil are made. Pieter, as usual, was our navigator, ensuring we didn't get lost in the labyrinthine Tuscan roads. Arriving in Siena, the first thing that struck me was the sheer medieval grandeur of the city. It felt like stepping back in time, a sensation heightened by the lack of cars in the city center. The narrow, winding streets, paved with cobblestones, invited us to explore, and we eagerly accepted the invitation.

Siena Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece

Our first stop was the magnificent Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Siena. As we approached, I was immediately struck by the cathedral's stunning facade, a symphony of white and greenish-black marble, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings. The Gothic architecture was breathtaking, a testament to the artistic and engineering prowess of the 13th century.

Stepping inside, I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale and grandeur of the interior. The nave, with its alternating stripes of black and white marble, soared towards the heavens, creating a sense of awe and reverence. The inlaid marble mosaic floor was particularly mesmerizing, a vast tapestry of biblical scenes and allegorical figures, crafted by some of the most celebrated artists of the Sienese School. Giorgio Vasari, the famous Renaissance painter and architect, rightly called it "the most beautiful... great and magnificent pavement ever made."

Alessia was fascinated by the colorful stained-glass windows, their vibrant hues casting a kaleidoscope of light across the interior. Pieter, with his keen eye for detail, pointed out the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorned the walls and pillars. As a photographer, I was in my element, capturing the beauty and grandeur of the cathedral from every possible angle. I could have spent hours exploring every nook and cranny of this architectural masterpiece, but we had other sights to see.

Before leaving, we visited the Piccolomini Library, located within the cathedral complex. The library's walls were covered in vibrant frescoes by Pinturicchio, depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II. The colors were so vivid, the details so intricate, that it felt like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Alessia was particularly captivated by the frescoes, pointing out the various characters and asking questions about their stories.


Discover Siena Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Siena, showcasing exquisite art and rich history.

Piazza del Campo: The Heart of Siena

Next, we made our way to the Piazza del Campo, the main public space of Siena and one of the most iconic medieval squares in Europe. The piazza is famous for its unique shell shape, its red-brick paving divided into nine sections, representing the nine governors who ruled Siena during its golden age.

As we stepped onto the piazza, I was immediately struck by its vibrant atmosphere. Tourists and locals alike were milling about, soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively ambiance. Alessia immediately ran towards the Fonte Gaia, a beautiful fountain adorned with sculptures, splashing her hands in the cool water. Pieter and I found a spot on the edge of the piazza, watching the world go by and admiring the stunning architecture that surrounded us.

The Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's town hall, dominates the piazza with its imposing presence and its iconic Torre del Mangia, a slender bell tower that soars towards the sky. The tower, with its elegant design, stands as a symbol of Sienese civic pride, and its image is inextricably linked with the city itself. I made sure to capture several photographs of the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, their beauty enhanced by the clear blue sky.

The Piazza del Campo is not just a beautiful square; it's also a place of great historical significance. It has been the site of markets, festivals, and political gatherings for centuries. Most famously, it's the venue for the Palio di Siena, a thrilling bareback horse race that takes place twice a year. The Palio is a deeply ingrained part of Sienese culture, and the rivalry between the contrade (neighborhoods) adds an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the event. Although we weren't there during the Palio, I could easily imagine the square filled with cheering crowds, the air thick with anticipation and excitement.


Experience the enchanting charm and historical significance of Piazza del Campo, a must-visit destination in the heart of Siena, Italy.

“To walk through Siena is to walk through history, art, and the very essence of Tuscan charm.”

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico: A Spiritual Journey

Our final stop of the day was the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, a large Gothic church dedicated to St. Catherine of Siena, one of the most important figures in Sienese history. The basilica, located on a hill overlooking the city, is a place of great spiritual significance, housing several relics of St. Catherine, including her head.

As we entered the basilica, I was struck by its simplicity and solemnity. The interior, with its high vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows, created a sense of peace and tranquility. Alessia, who had been running around excitedly in the Piazza del Campo, became noticeably quieter, as if sensing the sacredness of the space. Pieter and I were both moved by the basilica's spiritual atmosphere, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The basilica is also home to several important works of art, including paintings by Mattia Preti and Crescenzio Gambarelli. However, the most significant artwork is the fresco by Andrea Vanni, depicting St. Catherine, which is considered to be a true portrait of the saint. I spent some time admiring the fresco, trying to imagine what St. Catherine must have been like, a woman of great faith and courage who played a significant role in the history of Siena and the Catholic Church.

The relics of St. Catherine are housed in a special chapel within the basilica, a place of pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world. Although I'm not particularly religious, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence as I stood before the relics, contemplating the life and legacy of this remarkable woman.


Discover the rich history and spiritual significance of the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico in the heart of Siena, Italy's medieval gem.

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Siena

No trip to Siena would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. For lunch, we stopped at La Schiaccia dell'Opio, a charming little shop known for its delicious schiacciata, a type of Tuscan flatbread. We ordered a variety of schiacciatas, filled with local cheeses, meats, and vegetables. The bread was crispy and flavorful, the fillings fresh and delicious. Alessia particularly enjoyed the schiacciata with prosciutto and mozzarella, while Pieter favored the one with pecorino cheese and truffle sauce. I tried one filled with roasted vegetables, and it was absolutely divine.


Savor artisanal sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients at La Schiaccia dell'Opio in Montepulciano's charming atmosphere.

For dinner, we chose Ristorante Logge Vasari in Arezzo. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful old building, with tables set up both inside and outside on the piazza. The atmosphere was elegant and romantic, the perfect setting for a special meal. We started with a selection of Tuscan antipasti, including crostini, cheeses, and cured meats. For our main courses, Pieter ordered the bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick-cut steak grilled to perfection, while I opted for the pici pasta with wild boar ragu, a Sienese specialty. Alessia, of course, chose her favorite, spaghetti with tomato sauce. The food was superb, the service impeccable. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover authentic Tuscan cuisine at Ristorante Logge Vasari in Arezzo's stunning Piazza Grande - a true taste of Italy awaits.

We also considered Taverna di Fucile, known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and cozy atmosphere, but decided to try it another time. Maybe next time we visit Montepulciano!


Experience the essence of Tuscany at Taverna di Fucile - where authentic flavors meet warm hospitality in Montepulciano.

Before dinner, I managed to sneak in a bit of shopping at Nobile Seduzione Intimondo. It's always fun to explore the local shops and find unique souvenirs to bring back home. Alessia found a lovely little dress, and Pieter picked up a bottle of local wine.


Discover elegance and craftsmanship at Nobile Seduzione Intimondo, the premier lingerie boutique in Montepulciano, Tuscany.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, we made our way back to Montepulciano, our hearts full of wonderful memories. Siena had captivated us with its beauty, its history, and its culinary delights. It was a day we would cherish forever.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Ercolani Cellars, also known as the "Underground City," and the Fortress of Montalcino. I'm particularly excited about visiting the Tempio del Brunello, an interactive museum dedicated to the famous Brunello wine. And, of course, we'll be sure to stop by Perbacco Wine Club for a relaxing evening of wine tasting. Stay tuned for more updates on our Tuscan adventure!