Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2014-03-28, 10:53:57 | version 1.29.00
Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra Formerly S. Agostino convent Via Ricasoli This museum displays artifacts from the municipal, parish and archeological collections. Of particular interest are the oil paintings on panel and the painted wooden sculptures. MONTALCINO This town has been made rich and famous by its Brunello namesake, one of the world’s best red wines. But Montalcino is actually a town full of artistic treasures, perched above its 3000 hectares of vineyards (1500 of which are dedicated to Brunello). Wedged between the Ombrone and Orcia valleys, this historical centre is dominated by the Rocca built in 1361 to mark the passage of Montalcino under Siena’s dominion. The view from its walls stretches toward Monte Amiata, across the Crete to Siena, across Val d’Orcia and the hills of Maremma, which in the words of poet Mario Luzi, here begin their “sprint toward the sea”. Montalcino is also symbolised by the slender tower that graces its town hall, built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Below lie the main square known as Piazza del Popolo and its characteristic gothic loggia. Also worth visiting in town are the churches dedicated to Sant’Egidio (14th century) and the Museo Civico e Diocesano, whose exhibits include painting and scultpure ranging from the 1300s to the 1900s and glazed terracotta from the Della Robbia workshop. The surrounding country roads wind through vineyards to Torrenieri, Sant’Angelo in Colle and Poggio alle Mura. By way of Castelnuovo dell’Abate a road leads to the splendid Sant’Antimo abbey, one of Italy’s most memorable works of Romanesque architecture. Fortezza Piazzale della Fortezza This massive military structure dates back to 1300. The ramparts offer a fine view over the surrounding panorama. Outdoor concerts and other events are occasionally held here. Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) Poggio alle Mura Castle A collection of glass instruments and precious glass objects ranging from Roman times to the present. 30 VALDORCIA_INT_ING 30-07-2009 18:49 Pagina 30