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2017
Visit One of the Sets for the Film New Moon in the Tuscan Southeast Town of Montepulciano
Published by Moneera Mellick, Writer
Country: Italy 
The Experience
Filming for the intensely dramatic climatic scene of New Moon, the second film based on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series, was set in the Tuscan southeast town of Montepulciano. In a class of its own, Montepulciano’s star appeal looms long after the final cut.
Among the fruitful and stunning landscape of southern Tuscany, the regally-perched hilltop town of Montepulciano houses a wealth of artistic heritage and architecture. Her 14th-century wall defends a treasure chest of Renaissance-style churches and palaces. Etruscan in origin, followed by a strong Roman presence, Montepulciano was fought over for centuries between the communes of Florence and Siena. This pristinely preserved Tuscan jewel remains unchanged for 400 years—earning her the appellation “Pearl of the 16th Century”.
At her heart, Piazza Grande (Main Square) houses the 15th-century Renaissance-style Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), which bears resemblance to Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. Its clock tower offers wonderful panoramic views of the town and picturesque countryside. The unfinished facade of the neighbouring 17th-century Duomo (Cathedral) exudes a charming rawness and simplicity rarely seen in embellished buildings of its time. Hosted inside is Taddeo Di Bartlolo’s massive triptych “Assumption of the Virgin” painted in 1401. Whilst ascending the challenging Corso (Main Street) towards Piazza Grande, peak down the little cobblestone lanes to steal perfectly-framed glimpses of voluptuous vineyards and clustered Cypress trees.
Internationally acclaimed for her wine, Montepulciano is no stranger to fame, and thankfully has not succumbed to tourist-trap temptations. The history of Montepulciano’s wines is entangled with her own like a grapevine—sharing nourished roots since the 1st century. It is the subsequent preservation of culturally-rich agricultural skills that affords such exceptional wine. Among them, the garnet red “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” with a violet aroma and dry and lightly tannic flavour, was the first Italian wine to display the prestigious neck strip of the D.O.C.G. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and earn a place alongside the world’s best.
There are countless cellars in Montepulciano, housed in the dungeons of palazzi, which boast free entry to sample their infamous wines and amble through their dimly lit chambers. Thirsting for more? Then enjoy a glass of “Nobile” whilst devouring the equally famed “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” (beefsteak Florentine style).
Montepulciano holds the charm and quaintness of many other Tuscan towns, but like her wine, Montepulciano is unique. A film set, an architectural arena, a cyclist's circuit, an artist's inspiration, a diner's delight, and a vampire's lair— Montepulciano modestly exudes a sense of richness for all classes.
Among the fruitful and stunning landscape of southern Tuscany, the regally-perched hilltop town of Montepulciano houses a wealth of artistic heritage and architecture. Her 14th-century wall defends a treasure chest of Renaissance-style churches and palaces. Etruscan in origin, followed by a strong Roman presence, Montepulciano was fought over for centuries between the communes of Florence and Siena. This pristinely preserved Tuscan jewel remains unchanged for 400 years—earning her the appellation “Pearl of the 16th Century”.
At her heart, Piazza Grande (Main Square) houses the 15th-century Renaissance-style Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), which bears resemblance to Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. Its clock tower offers wonderful panoramic views of the town and picturesque countryside. The unfinished facade of the neighbouring 17th-century Duomo (Cathedral) exudes a charming rawness and simplicity rarely seen in embellished buildings of its time. Hosted inside is Taddeo Di Bartlolo’s massive triptych “Assumption of the Virgin” painted in 1401. Whilst ascending the challenging Corso (Main Street) towards Piazza Grande, peak down the little cobblestone lanes to steal perfectly-framed glimpses of voluptuous vineyards and clustered Cypress trees.
Internationally acclaimed for her wine, Montepulciano is no stranger to fame, and thankfully has not succumbed to tourist-trap temptations. The history of Montepulciano’s wines is entangled with her own like a grapevine—sharing nourished roots since the 1st century. It is the subsequent preservation of culturally-rich agricultural skills that affords such exceptional wine. Among them, the garnet red “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” with a violet aroma and dry and lightly tannic flavour, was the first Italian wine to display the prestigious neck strip of the D.O.C.G. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and earn a place alongside the world’s best.
There are countless cellars in Montepulciano, housed in the dungeons of palazzi, which boast free entry to sample their infamous wines and amble through their dimly lit chambers. Thirsting for more? Then enjoy a glass of “Nobile” whilst devouring the equally famed “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” (beefsteak Florentine style).
Montepulciano holds the charm and quaintness of many other Tuscan towns, but like her wine, Montepulciano is unique. A film set, an architectural arena, a cyclist's circuit, an artist's inspiration, a diner's delight, and a vampire's lair— Montepulciano modestly exudes a sense of richness for all classes.
When to Go to Wine Tasting Montepulciano
The best time of year to visit Montepulciano is in the milder climates of spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov). During these times there is much to do and see. “Fiera di Sant'Agnese” is a traditional open air market of about 300 exhibitors that takes place on the 1st of May. The antique market is held every second weekend in the town’s historic centre, with about 50 exhibitors. “Fiera della Maestà del Ponte” is a traditional Tuscan market hosted near the train station in the last weekend of September.
In saying that though, there are many exciting events held in summer that showcase Montepulciano’s traditions. On the last Sunday of August you can watch the “Bravìo delle Botti,” a wine barrel race where the eight Contradas (districts) of Montepulciano compete for a painted cloth banner (the ‘Bravio’). The festival opens with a procession in 14th-century dress.
In saying that though, there are many exciting events held in summer that showcase Montepulciano’s traditions. On the last Sunday of August you can watch the “Bravìo delle Botti,” a wine barrel race where the eight Contradas (districts) of Montepulciano compete for a painted cloth banner (the ‘Bravio’). The festival opens with a procession in 14th-century dress.
Odds n' Ends
By car, Montepulciano is 70 km southeast of Siena, 124 km southeast of Florence, and 186 km north of Rome. The city is renowned for its walkable, car-free nature; so unless you have a permit, you need to park in allocated spaces at the edge of town.
As trains are often unreliable, bus travel is preferable. Try to travel in the morning or late afternoon when the low-riding position of the sun does most justice to the scenery, creating deep amber-tinged colours and elongated shadows that leave a lasting impression. The trip from Siena takes about 1.5 hrs by bus, with 4 buses departing daily (except Sunday). From the bus station you can walk into the historic centre or take the little orange bus.
Climbing the clock tower of Palazzo Communale costs €2 and is open daily 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Wine tasting can be done in the many cellars along Via Ricci & Via di Gracciano nel Corso. Try Contucci Palace, on Piazza Grande, with free tasting but no food. It is open daily 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Telephone: 0578-757-006
Sit outdoors and enjoy a caffe and brioche at Caffetteria del Duomo on Piazza Grande. Peek inside at the tribute wall to New Moon, which includes scenes from filming. Here you learn that the water feature that played a starring role in the film was actually constructed solely for the purpose of filming, and is not a true feature of Piazza Grande. Although, you will probably figure this out upon entering the Piazza.
If time permits, visit the thermal waters of “Terme Di Chianciano” for an indulging spa experience located approximately 30 minutes by bus form Montepulciano. Visit www.termechianciano.it for more information.
Montepulciano’s Tourist Information office is located on Piazza Grande.
As trains are often unreliable, bus travel is preferable. Try to travel in the morning or late afternoon when the low-riding position of the sun does most justice to the scenery, creating deep amber-tinged colours and elongated shadows that leave a lasting impression. The trip from Siena takes about 1.5 hrs by bus, with 4 buses departing daily (except Sunday). From the bus station you can walk into the historic centre or take the little orange bus.
Climbing the clock tower of Palazzo Communale costs €2 and is open daily 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Wine tasting can be done in the many cellars along Via Ricci & Via di Gracciano nel Corso. Try Contucci Palace, on Piazza Grande, with free tasting but no food. It is open daily 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Telephone: 0578-757-006
Sit outdoors and enjoy a caffe and brioche at Caffetteria del Duomo on Piazza Grande. Peek inside at the tribute wall to New Moon, which includes scenes from filming. Here you learn that the water feature that played a starring role in the film was actually constructed solely for the purpose of filming, and is not a true feature of Piazza Grande. Although, you will probably figure this out upon entering the Piazza.
If time permits, visit the thermal waters of “Terme Di Chianciano” for an indulging spa experience located approximately 30 minutes by bus form Montepulciano. Visit www.termechianciano.it for more information.
Montepulciano’s Tourist Information office is located on Piazza Grande.
Places to Eat
- Osteria Acquacheta
- Dine at ‘Osteria Acquacheta’ for your 'Bistecca alla Fiorentina'. You will immediately be welcomed into the cozy atmosphere, where tables are shared and large appetites are quickly sated. After picking your enormous cut of meat from owner Giulio Ciolfi, it will be seasoned simply with olive oil, salt and pepper, and then seared in the wood fired oven. The resulting delicious steak is rare in more ways than one. BYO your 'Nobile' and be sure to phone for a reservation (especially in peak season).
Recommended Places to Stay
- Palazzo Bellarmino
- Stay at ‘Palazzo Bellarmino’, situated right near Piazza Grande. This palace houses well-priced, spotless self-service apartments, generous in size with lovely antique furnishings. The management are very friendly and are keen to share local information.
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