Ercolani Cellars: Journey into Montepulciano's Underground City
Discover Montepulciano's hidden depths: Explore ancient tunnels, savor fine wines, and experience Tuscan tradition at Ercolani Cellars.
Descend beneath the charming streets of Montepulciano to discover Ercolani Cellars, a unique winery and museum housed within a network of ancient subterranean tunnels. Explore Etruscan tombs, aging cellars, and small museums showcasing the region's rich history and winemaking traditions. Enjoy tastings of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and other local products in this unforgettable setting.
A brief summary to Ercolani Cellars - Underground City and Museum
- Via di Gracciano nel Corso, 80-82, Montepulciano, Province of Siena, 53045, IT
- +390578716764
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
- Thursday 8 am-9 pm
- Friday 8 am-9 pm
- Saturday 8 am-9 pm
- Sunday 8 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the underground tunnels have uneven surfaces and some stairs.
- Book your tour and tasting in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough exploration of the underground city and a relaxed tasting experience.
- Consider a truffle hunting experience for a unique and immersive activity on the Ercolani estate.
Getting There
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Walking
Ercolani Cellars is located on Via di Gracciano nel Corso, a main street within Montepulciano's historic center. From Piazza Grande, walk down Via di Gracciano for approximately 500 meters. The cellars will be on your right, marked by a sign for 'Cantina Ercolani - Città Sotterranea'. Note that Montepulciano is a hill town with steep streets; wear comfortable shoes. No cost for walking.
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Public Transport
If arriving by bus at the Autostazione (Piazzale Pietro Nenni), take the urban minibus (Servizio Urbano) to the 'Via di Gracciano' stop. From there, walk a short distance to Ercolani Cellars. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1-2. Alternatively, from the bus station, it is approximately a 15-minute uphill walk to the cellars.
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Taxi
From the Montepulciano train station ('Montepulciano Stazione'), a taxi to Ercolani Cellars costs approximately €30. Taxis are not typically waiting at the station, so it's best to call ahead for a pickup. Several taxi services operate in Montepulciano. Once in Montepulciano, the taxi will drop you off close to the entrance of the Cellars on Via di Gracciano nel Corso.
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Parking
If driving, park in one of the designated parking areas outside Montepulciano's city walls. The closest parking lot is P1 at Porta al Prato. From there, it's a 5-10 minute walk to Ercolani Cellars. Parking fees vary, with hourly rates around €1-2 and daily rates around €5-10. Free parking is available at Piazza Pietro Nenni, a slightly longer walk. Be aware that parking P5 is closed on Wednesdays for the weekly market.
