Saturday, December 3, 2016

WINTER IN MONTEPULCIANO. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AND MORE


Montepulciano does not slow down in winter. This is the best time of the year for unique activities Here some of our favorite!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

forget the gloomy winter scenario, Tuscany hills region can offer splendid days with dramatic views like the one below.  Brisk morning walks will reward you with the beauty of the landscapes, dramatic skies, great pictures and a good excuse to indulge with another winter treat: food!

Winter Montepulciano landscape
view of the hills and valleys in a typical winter morning from Montepulciano

FOOD SCENE

OK cherry season is over but for the foodies visiting this part of Tuscany may be even better as it is the only time of the year where you can get some delicatessen. Truffles first but also mushrooms and venison, turnip greens (with sausages), kale (in Ribollita soup), boar (stewed with olives) and the omnipresent freshly-pressed olive oil (bruschetta!). All restaurants in Montepulciano are open during November and December months and boasting best season recipes. Some will close for annual vacation between mid January and mid March but there is always plenty of choice within and outside the town.

lightly cured beef with tartufo bianco (winter white truffle)

 

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

from the end of November to the beginning of January, every weekend in Montepulciano is cheered up with a lovely Christmas market with lights, stalls selling season and local produces, music, mulled wine... and all this set in a beautiful Renaissance background, what more! Oh by the way, even Santa left the Pole to settle in the city Fort. (More info on: http://www.nataleamontepulciano.it/)

Piazza grande and surrounding streets with festive lights and wooden stalls


 

NEW YEAR EVE IN MONTEPULCIANO

most of the town's restaurants design a special "capodanno menu" with their best recipes, needless to say to reserve well in advance. After dinner everyone gather in the main square by the gigantic bonfire (lit from the afternoon) to share wine, dance and wishes for the new year.

the bonfire in Montepulciano is lit in the 31 December and lasts 24h

RELAX AND SPAs

need to recover after the festivities or simply wish to treat yourself plunging in healthy mineral-rich water heated by mother-earth? Well just pick up one of the many hot-spring pool and Spas near Montepulciano. Enjoy a cold sunset or a rainy day in swimming wear.

Rapolano terme, one of the many open hot spring of the region

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Autumn Fair in Montepulciano




 

Sunday the 16 th of October 2016

in Piazza Don Minzoni, Giardini di Poggiofanti and Via di Gracciano nel Corso (the lower end of Montepulciano) there will be the fabulous annual autumn market selling all kinds of typical local products and season speciality. From 9 am on.


Monday, September 26, 2016

Six runs over three days in Montepulciano





THE PROGRAMME

The programme begins on Friday the 30 th of September at 9.30 p.m., with “Lumediluna”, a non-competitive urban trail over a distance of about 8 kilometres, starting and finishing in Piazza Grande, winding through Montepulciano old town and the immediate vicinity.

Anyone can run or walk among the Renaissance buildings and beautiful panoramic locations, open by night, overlooking Valdichiana and Valdorcia, for a noble cause, with the event taking place a week before Breast Cancer Prevention Week. All those who register will be given a pink T-shirt, the symbol of the campaign, which they must wear for the event, forming a pink wave to draw attention  to theneed for a widespread commitment to fight breast cancer. The initiative has been developed in  collaboration with the local health department, USL 7 – Oncology Department of the United  Hospitals of Valdichiana.

Saturday the 1 st of October, Piazza Sant’Agnese is the starting point for “Nobilipassi”, a trail  covering about 5,5 km, stopping off at wineries that make Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. An  excursion organised for groups of 50 people, each accompanied by two guides, which, after several  tastings, will culminate in a meal featuring local cuisine and specialities. The route pays tribute to this  special product in the year of its fiftieth anniversary, which will be celebrated on the 7 th and 8 th of October.

Registrations for the following day’s events will be open in the afternoon, and participants will be invited to the pasta-party offered at Montepulciano Stazione from 7.30 p.m.

Sunday the 2 nd of October will be the most intense day of Montepulciano Run. At 9.30 a.m., the two competitive races, “Laquattordici” and “Laventicinque” (the first over 14 km and the second over 25), and the “Montepulcianonfoot”, a non-competitive event covering 10 km for runners and Nordic walkers, will set off simultaneously from Montepulciano Stazione and Piazza Grande.  

All four itineraries will end in Piazza Grande, where the runners and walkers will find refreshments  and the prizes will be awarded. A shuttle bus service will guarantee the return to Montepulciano  Stazione. With the exception of “Nobilipassi”, it is possible to register for every event until 30  minutes before the start.

Further info: www.montepulcianorun.it – Tel. +39 349 0094012
Tex credits: www.montepulcianoliving.it
 

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

AUGUST MAIN EVENTS IN MONTEPULCIANO

NOBIL EBBREZZA

From August 6 to 28, in the Fortress, Nobil Ebbrezza: an art contest and an art exhibition. Opening
hours daily from 10 am to 12.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 7 pm . Free admission The inauguration
will take place on August 6 to 18

FESTIVAL OF THE PATRON SAINT OF CONTRADA OF SAN DONATO

On Sunday, 7 August, in Piazza Grande, celebrations for the Festival of the Patron Saint of the
Contrada of San Donato also feature a contest reserved to young flag-wavers and drummers, open to
the children of all contradas aged up to 14 years. Big party and dinner in the Piazza Grande.

THRESHING FESTIVAL

From Friday 5 to Sunday 7 August, Threshing Festival in the village of Valiano. Historical re-
enactment of the threshing process, and gastronomic events with menus typical of the ancient rural
society of the Val di Chiana.

FESTIVAL OF SAN LORENZO, IN VALIANO

From Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 August, in Valiano, celebrations for the Festival of San Lorenzo,
and the classic Calici di Stelle (Goblets of Stars). Numerous activities including gastronomic events.
ADS Gruppo Sportivo La Rocca (Sports Association) – For info: tel. +39 0578 724242

CALICI DI STELLE, IN THE CENTRE OF MONTEPULCIANO

On Wednesday, 10 August, the historical town centre hosts “Calici di Stelle”, an itinerant tasting of
Vino Nobile and Vino Rosso di Montepulciano wines, with dinners in the contradas, live music in
the streets and in Piazza Grande, performances by flag-wavers and drummers, shows and a small
outdoor market on Via Ricci.
www.stradavinonobile.itwww.calicidistellemontepulciano.it – Tel. +39 0578 717484

BRUSCELLO POLIZIANO

Every evening from Friday 12 to Monday 15 August, starting at 9.15 p.m. in Piazza Grande, there is
the Bruscello, a community performance in which numerous actors and singers take part, clad in
period costumes, and with a large orchestra. This year’s title – Bravìum – is almost preparatory to the
other great event held on the last Sunday of the month. The show is both touching and fun, and is
staged in a unique setting – the Piazza – surrounded by historical Renaissance palazzos. For info:
www.bruscello.it – tel. +39 0578 758529

The beautiful setting of Piazza Grande during the Bruscello performance

The complete and updated list of all events is available in the “events” section of the website www.montepulcianoliving.it


AUGUST MAIN EVENTS IN MONTEPULCIANO

NOBIL EBBREZZA

From August 6 to 28, in the Fortress, Nobil Ebbrezza: an art contest and an art exhibition. Opening
hours daily from 10 am to 12.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 7 pm . Free admission The inauguration
will take place on August 6 to 18

FESTIVAL OF THE PATRON SAINT OF CONTRADA OF SAN DONATO

On Sunday, 7 August, in Piazza Grande, celebrations for the Festival of the Patron Saint of the
Contrada of San Donato also feature a contest reserved to young flag-wavers and drummers, open to
the children of all contradas aged up to 14 years. Big party and dinner in the Piazza Grande.

THRESHING FESTIVAL

From Friday 5 to Sunday 7 August, Threshing Festival in the village of Valiano. Historical re-
enactment of the threshing process, and gastronomic events with menus typical of the ancient rural
society of the Val di Chiana.

FESTIVAL OF SAN LORENZO, IN VALIANO

From Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 August, in Valiano, celebrations for the Festival of San Lorenzo,
and the classic Calici di Stelle (Goblets of Stars). Numerous activities including gastronomic events.
ADS Gruppo Sportivo La Rocca (Sports Association) – For info: tel. +39 0578 724242

CALICI DI STELLE, IN THE CENTRE OF MONTEPULCIANO

On Wednesday, 10 August, the historical town centre hosts “Calici di Stelle”, an itinerant tasting of
Vino Nobile and Vino Rosso di Montepulciano wines, with dinners in the contradas, live music in
the streets and in Piazza Grande, performances by flag-wavers and drummers, shows and a small
outdoor market on Via Ricci.
www.stradavinonobile.itwww.calicidistellemontepulciano.it – Tel. +39 0578 717484

BRUSCELLO POLIZIANO

Every evening from Friday 12 to Monday 15 August, starting at 9.15 p.m. in Piazza Grande, there is
the Bruscello, a community performance in which numerous actors and singers take part, clad in
period costumes, and with a large orchestra. This year’s title – Bravìum – is almost preparatory to the
other great event held on the last Sunday of the month. The show is both touching and fun, and is
staged in a unique setting – the Piazza – surrounded by historical Renaissance palazzos. For info:
www.bruscello.it – tel. +39 0578 758529

The complete and updated list of all events is available in the “events” section of the website www.montepulcianoliving.it


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Eco Renaissance in Montepulciano



EcoRinascimento Exhibition, a way of promotinf a cultural change in our way of living by analyzing the "environmental burden" of our behavior.

It proposes solutions to overcome the crisis, promoting eco-mobility projects, eco-design with alternative energy, energy saving, eco-art and art of recycling, green building, bio-climatic, self-construction, kitchen gardens, organic farming, nutrition and natural medicine.

It proposes projects with renewable energies that help to restructure the areas examined, and turn into a strong identity and attraction points. Combine technological progress in harmony with the history and the landscape, and create synergies between professionals, artists, artisans and businesses.





Thursday, May 5, 2016

Classical Concert on May 8th, 2016 at 5pm


Sunday May 8th, 2016 at 5pm

Chamber concert of :

FRANCESCA MENCHINI (flute) - ELEONORA PELLEGRINI (harp)
Music of Debussy and Rota




performed in Montepulciano at Cantine Dei (Dei winery in Villa Martiena) see maps here.
The concert part of the festival “I fiori musicali” organized by the “Henze” Music Institute and the Montepulciano International Art Foundation “Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte”.
Free admission 

info tel. +39 0578 757007

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Flower Festival in Pienza 1-15 May 2016


PIENZA & FLOWERS FESTIVAL

The entire village of Pienza, will be transformed, from 1 to 15 May in a wonderful Italian-style garden and the beautiful arcaded courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini will be literally covered in a large carpet of flowers (on 7 and 8 May only).
Millions of petals, skillfully selected and placed by the masters of famed Flower Festival in Genzano, will recreate the images of UNESCO sites in the world.


Pienza & Flowers was born many years ago thanks to the collaboration with the local botanist Dr Sirio Mangiavacchi, who dedicated much of its resources and its inventiveness to this event.

The goal was to create an high-quality flower exhibition that would enhance the architecture of Piazza Pio II and the Papal Palace by mixing  the floral character already present in classical architectural styles and a plant exhibition and market.

Pienza & flowers soon became a canonical Spring festival, a sort of floral blaze or a hymn preceding the summer and the new fruits. The event is part of the traditional Christian feast of Corpus Christi, with its characteristic floral procession

The festival is presently an important event for many local and Italian plant nursery.

If you like plants, flower and art you should not miss it!!!

Thursday, April 14, 2016

SPRING CONCERT 16 April 2016 Music of Salieri, Albinoni, Haendel, Bach, Gòrecky.



Annual Spring Concert in San Biagio Church performed by ORCHESTRA POLIZIANA  
Saturday April 16th 2016 at 1800h - free entrance
Music of Salieri, Albinoni, Haendel, Bach, Gòrecky.


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

FOUCAULT’S PENDULUM Saturday 09 April 2016 - Saturday 16 April 2016 SAN BIAGIO CHURCH

From the 9th to the 16th of April, in Montepulciano, at the church of San Biagio, the spectacular scientific experiment of Foucault’s Pendulum will be repeated.  Thanks to this experiment Léon Foucault (1819 – 1868), was able to prove, with his simple yet genial intuition, that the Earth revolves on its own axis.
The pendulum when oscillating, leaves a track on a layer of sand, it takes just 45 minutes to appreciate the visible demonstration of the Earth’s rotation.

the pendolum intuition

In Montepulciano, the experiment combines science, divulgation, art and architecture, all at the highest levels, and adds an important technical aspect to the project, due to the length of the oscillating wire that will hang inside the church, measuring 42 metres.
On Sunday the 10th of April, at the “Tempio”, the astrophysicist, writer and astronaut Umberto Guidoni, who travelled in space with the Shuttle, will hold his lectio magistralis.

On Saturday the 16th of April, the marathon of continuous scientific focuses but also entertainment and opportunities to socialise, will be brought to an end by another prestigious presence for the programme. Once again in the masterpiece created by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, the closing lectio magistralis will be held by philosopher Massimo Cacciari.

Temple of San Biagio. More information : http://sito.liceipoliziani.com/

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Cioccolando: the artisan chocolate festival in Piazza Grande

During Easter Festivities the main square of Montepulciano will host a handcraft chocolate festival Unique opportunity to pair exquisite chocolate with exquisite wine :)
Tastings, workshops and cooking shows with master chocolatiers.

daring paring: Vino Nobile and artesan chocolate


From Saturday 26th to Monday 28th of March, in Piazza Grande (day time)


Tuesday, March 15, 2016

E-BIKING helps enjoying hilly Tuscany


The electric bike is not just an eco-friendly means of transport, but it is a fast and new way to travel every day, and  it can arrive where other vehicles cannot. 
The Electric Pedal Assisted Bike is a brilliant invention, it allows everybody at any age to feel something special: just a few push thrusts and the “engine” (inserted in the wheel’s hub) starts helping the pedaling, and magically the bike becomes lighter, able to face even exacting slopes, typical of our roads.
It is suitable for everybody. It doesn’t need a license plate, vehicle registration tax, insurance, helmet (we will give it to you anyway). All this can be achieved with a kind of rental which removes any problem regarding the purchase and management of the E-Bike, intensifying the pleasure of driving it. 


rental proposal from e-biketuscany.com

The company e-biketuscany based in Pienza offers several  rental proposals in order to fulfill any requirement and service.
To this scope, E-Bike Tuscany selected performing e-bike brands and engines, well-known in Italy and in the world, which -respecting the traffic regulations- can reach high performance while driving a comfortable and high quality bike.

e-bike ride over Valdorcia
Further contact: info@e-biketuscany.com of visit https://www.facebook.com/ebikeitaly/





Sunday, March 6, 2016

Easter Music Festival in Montepulciano


Once again the spring brings in Montepulciano an exceptional event for music lovers

From the weekend of Easter 2016 until April 28 various beautiful venues will host music concerts. 


See the full program here:

http://www.festivaldipasqua.it/il-programma.html

concert in Palazzo Contucci in 2015


A unique opportunity to experience an exciting full immersion in the Beauty by combining the highest levels of performances and unique Tuscan locations, where everything, even the culture of food, contributes always to the sense of peace and universal harmony.



Thursday, February 25, 2016

BIKING AROUND MONTEPULCIANO


Our region is characterized by gravel roads, breathtaking views, rolling hills, an ideal condition to be discovered even by bicycle.
To help you discover the true essence of our territory, (avoiding tourist traps or purely commercial offer) we are creating a network of companies dedicated to offering valuable services and entousiastic work. We started cooperate with Stefania and her bike renta company in Pienza (http://www.e-biketuscany.com) in order to allow you preferential rental rates for mountain bikes, racing bikes and and electric bikes.
They will recommend the routes to do during your holiday, depending on your needs and your training level.
You can also arrange excursions with English speaking guides who will take you (always taking into account your physical condition), to the most hidden corners.

When tired you can relax in front of a tasty picnic or making a stop in a small restaurant, personally chosen by the guide.
At Politian Apartments we offer a safe and special storage room for our guests bikes and equipment


Mountain bike excursion on the hills near Pienza
Montepulciano in the background
Guided tour in the forest around Chianciano

Monday, February 15, 2016

TREKKING ACTIVITIES ALL OVER THE YEAR


Reserved to Politian Apartments guests and their friends

Every Sunday, if you want to make a trekking tour with us and our friends, you are welcome
If you want to do a more thorough and independent excursions, we can organize a personal guided tour.

Lots of pictures from past excursions are posted on the local Trekking Association Facebook Page



dramatic view of Valdorcia in winter

trails around the village of Montepulciao among vineyards
  
Mid winter scene: green fields, gentle breeze and bright day

After a reinvigorating walk you can still enjoy the views from your apartment windows or lazing in the garden with a well deserved glass of wine. In our house, the clock is not an essential object ...