Road to Tuscany, part two. Montepulchano.

Your photo-trip along Tuscany I started with a beautiful town of Montepulciano.

It rises on a hill with a height of 600 m between Val d’Orcia Val D’Orcia (Val di Chiana).
The appearance of the city on the top of the hill is a characteristic sign of Etruscan culture.

In the IV-III centuries BC Montepulciano was the capital city of Etruria, the King Residence. The name of the city comes from two words: "Monte" – "mountain", and "Pulciano" – "leader "," leader", Translated from Etruscan.

In the 12th century, residents of Montepulcianly conducted the fight against the Republic of Siena, who wanted to include him in their own. Therefore, the city at the end of the XIV century entered into an alliance with Florence Medici, who pledged to defend the boundaries of Montepulciano.

Medici kept the word, and in 1511 the architect Sangalo surrounded by the montepulcianly inaccessible walls.

50 years later, Florence submitted to himself a great Siena. Montepulcianly ceased to be so significant for the Medici, becoming only a residence for wealthy Tuscan families for.

Since the Etruscans in the vicinity, the grapes of Sanjovese varieties are cultivated – the basis of the famous "NOBILE". "Wine noble from Montepulciano" – such a name received this ancient drink in the middle of the XVI century, when it was supplied to the papal table.

Camping Port Al-Prato, the traveler hits the Piazza Savonarol Square, here, in the building of the 16th century, the hotel in which I stopped.

On the square in front of the hotel installed column del Martzokko, decorated with heraldic lion of Florence. The statue of the lion was placed on the column in 1511, replacing the Siena Wolf, which meant the transition of Montepulcianly under the jurisdiction of Florence after 26 years of Siena domination.

Having passed on the long street leading to the top of the hill, very soon to be located near the church of Sant-Agostino, designed by the famous Florentine Moolezzo master on the order of the Mighty Medici family.

Inside the church is a wooden crucifixion antonio da Sangallo.

Across the road, on the Square Micrezzo, the Pulcinell Clock Tower (Torre Dell’Orologio Di Pulcinella), built in the middle of the XVI century. According to the legend, the clock in Montepulciano brought Bishop Naples, however, it was not installed, was it really.

The figurine of the Italian comedic character of the pulcinell is made of wood and covered with iron, it is connected to the watch mechanism, and its bell sound is regularly audible on the streets of the city.

Continuing the path to the heart of medieval life – Piazza-Grande Square, it is impossible not to notice how raising times become pretty cool. Walking through this city require certain physical efforts.

Walking through the streets of Montepulciano, it is possible, then there is there to meet here such picturesque corners, mounted to roll from the main road and promise unforgettable views of the valley.

Main Square (Piazza Grande) – Sample Late Renaissance Architecture.
Opposite the Cathedral stands built by the architect Michelezzo Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale) – the twin of the Florentine Palazzo Vecchio. It was built by order of Kozimo I Di Medici, and the similarity of this palace with Signoria is impressive.

Near the town hall there was a well of griffins and lions holding in the coat of arms of Medici in his paws (Pozzo Dei Grifi E Dei Leoni) – a symbol of the former power of the Florentine dynasty over the city.

Directors more than once selected the montepulcia for films. I left my trail here and Andrei Tarkovsky, who shot some scenes of "nostalgia" in Montepulcian.

This city was familiar to me for another one who recently came to the screens to the TV series "Medici". Some locals with whom I happened to talk, told how they witnessed filming and reported that they would soon shoot the second season. This is how it was:

Near the Church of San Francesco there is a panoramic platform, from there a great view of another bright monument of the Renaissance – Church of San Biangio (Tempio Di San Biagio) created by Antonio da Sangallo.

She stands down at the foot of the hill, for its inspection you need to go down the Via Di S. Biagio, and then overcome this steep rise back.

You can call a taxi if it is hard to rise. It will cost that 10 euros, in general, 10 euros is the minimum tariff in the city. You can still wait for the FT1 minibus, there is a stop next to the church, but she goes infrequently, you need to check with the schedule.
The construction of this beautiful church began in 1518. The main feature of the building is an amazing harmonious appearance.

Pavel Muratov called her "one of the purest harmonies" of high rebirth. She is really very beautiful, nothing superfluous.

Inside the church decorate the frescoes, sculptures and paintings of the walls.

The main value of the ancient church is the body that is in its hall from the 17th century, part of the pipes are dated 1700 g.

Temple of valid.
This church has long attracted me with its beauty and harmony.

First, when I saw her photos on the Internet, then, when I walked in Google Street, I found a great place for a photo. Here is a link to this place.
I went there at sunset.

The only thing I did not take into account that the sun will be sitting in almost the San Biangio, that is, to shoot will have to be in the opposite. But still the sight was awesome.

First come to life in the rays of the setting sun green hills, church and vineyards in a golden haze, the bells ringing from below, the birds sing the farewell song of the outgoing sun.

The color of the color is changing, the sky and the valley are painted in shades of orange and pink colors,

Clouds give the landscape of dramaticness,

And finally, the last rays of the sun illuminate long hills, and the valley is immersed in the twilight.

Here are a few seconds video:

Returned to the hotel on a practically empty city. Still, this is definitely an advantage – to spend the night in the old town, there is an opportunity to be alone with him and with his thoughts.

Montepulcianly added popularity from the younger generation, after the filming of the film "Twilight. Saga. New moon". With evening lighting it is not difficult to imagine how the story about vampires could unfold here 🙂

Passing by one of the institutions, drew attention to the life-affirming slogan "No Wife – Happy Life" :))) And the boots are pretty.

Pulchinell is well highlighted in the evening, as well as Sant-Agostino.

Weather forecast for the following morning did not please, so I decided to cancel the shooting of dawn and sleep. When I woke up, I saw that the truth was clouded enough, but I also saw that the fog was quenched over the valley.

The rest of the pictures did directly from the terrace of its number. At times, the sun tried to break through the clouds, giving the surrounding the random ray.

And I am going on the road, ahead of me was expected to meet with new friends, which I found on the forum and moving to Pienna.