What to See and Do

The tourist information office is located at Costa del Municipio 1 (tel. 0577 8493 31; www.prolocomontalcino.it). It gives travellers a complete list of the vineyards ranging from small to big estates and provides information on those vineyards allowing visits and offering English guided tours.
There is a combined ticket which includes both admission to the fortress and the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra.
The 14th century fortress (Picture 1) (tel.0577 84 92 11; Piazzale Fortezza) was enlarged when the Medici family took over the town. It is located at a vantage point which gives splendid views of the town There is an enoteca inside. Admission to the courtyard is free.
On Via Ricasoli 31 is the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra, housed where there was originally a convent belonging to the Chiesa di Sant’ Agostino (Picture 3). The museum exhibits religious pieces of art from Montalcino and the area around it. Among its highlights are the Duccio di Buoninsegna’s triptych and Simone Martini ‘s Madonna with Child, the Lorenzetti, Giovanni di Paolo and Sano di Pietro’s works. It also houses an array of painted wooden sculptures created by artists of the Sienese school.
The cathedral (Picture 2) originally in Romanesque style was modified in the 19th century fusing the original look with the neoclassical style.
July brings much excitement to the area as The Jazz&Wine festival is celebrated annually at this time and offers both Italian and international performers.
There is a market whose stalls line Via della Libertà every Friday.