Montepulciano (605 metres) extends to the hill ridge that marks the divide between Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia. This hill, already inhabited in Etruscan and Roman times, was more and more important during the early Middle Ages, because the plain gradually turned into a swamp, making transportation difficult, and other routes were taken towards the hill. The first quotation of Mons Politianus dates back to 715, and refers to a fortified settlement.

Although both are important wine producers, Montepulciano is different from Montalcino for a number of reasons. The tangible difference is not to be attributed to exaggerated local pride -( even though it is strong in this area )- or to vine growing and wine producing competition. The difference has a completely different origin. Montalcino was in the sphere of influence of Siena, whereas Montepulciano, had a free town council since the 12th century, and decided to become a part of the Florentine sphere of influence. This allowed the city to be defended against the expansionist policy of Siena and, furthermore, to benefit from the incomparable cultural, artistic and architectural blossoming of Humanism In 1561 it became a bishop’s residence, and was raised to the rank of city, continuing its development under the Lorena family. Today, Montepulciano is a thriving agricultural centre as well as an administrative centre.

Artistic Places
There are many but amongst those which stand out - the architectural jewels by Michelozzo, Antonio from Sangallo, Ippolito the Elder, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Vignola, Ippolito Scalza. Here was born Agnolo Ambrogini, the great poet of the Renaissance known as Poliziano.