Montalcino, a city most commonly known for its production of the celebrated Brunello wine, is located at almost 600 meters altitude above the breathtaking Val d’Orcia. The actual name of the town derives from the latin term mons (mountain) and ilex (holm-oak), in other words "mountain of the holm-oaks”. The hill on which Montalcino sits has most likely 
been inhabited since the Etruscan period, but its population increased significantly during the 10th century mostly due to developments in tanning leather. Later in the 12th century Montalcino became a free city-state only to then give themselves up to the Sienese who reconstructed le Rocca. Though it had enjoyed long periods of peace and prosperity, its history was profoundly affected by the conflict between Florence and Siena, since Montalcino was connected with the latter. After the fall of Siena in 1555 the Sienese nobility took shelter in the city for four years, hoping one day to return to Siena. In the end, however, even Montalcino became part of the Granducato di Toscana (Grand Duchy of Tuscany) until the unification of Italy in 1861. There are many buildings of historical interest within the city walls, which were built in the 13th century. Among these are the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino (12th century), the Duomo (14th century) and the beautiful Palazzo comunale (town hall) that towers above the Piazza del Popolo and has an extremely tall Medieval tower. It is also pleasant to take a stroll around the inside of this living fortress with its narrow streets and alleys while gazing out over the valley below.
The situation of this small, ancient city changed radically during the second half of the 20th century due to the fortune of being located in the middle of one of the most important areas for grape cultivation. In face the territory is highly celebrated for its vineyards of the Sangiovese grape that is used to make the famous Brunello di Montalcino as well as two DOC wines: the Rosso di Montalcino and the S.Antimo. Therefore it is obligatory while visiting Montalcino to stop in one of the many enoteche (wine shops) dispersed throughout the city, and to bring home with you a bottle one of these prestigious wines.
There are many local traditions, among which the Sagra del Tordo which is held on the last Sunday in October and marks the opening of the historical Archery Tournament, and the Torneo di Apertura delle Cacce (tournament marking the beginning of hunting season) in August each year.
