This splendid little town – whose artistic and architectural heritage led it to be called the Pearl of the Cinquecento – has preserved its beauty intact. Going up the steep streets of its outlying districts the visitor discovers beautiful palazzos and churches imbued with the unparalleled art of foremost Renaissance architects.
The splendid Piazza Grande, must be seen: the Duomo with its uncompleted façade and the Town Hall, surrounded by Renaissance palazzos. The valley below is an unforgettable view with the outstanding and elegant mass of the Tempio di S. Biagio.
Montepulciano is also a very lively cultural centre. The best known events are the International Art Workshop and the Bruscello, a popular amateur theatre performance whose ancient tradition is rooted in peasant life.
Side by side with a still highly important agricultural economy, today there is a notable tourism industry of which one of the main elements is Montepulciano Spa in the locality of S. Albino where the curative properties of mud and waters are exploited.