Montepulciano lies at the junction of two valleys, the Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana. Built along the narrow summit of a limestone hill, this beautiful medieval village seems to be the natural continuation of the hill on which it is built. Coming by car from the charming but somewhat more touristy, “utopian” town of Pienza, just eleven kilometres away, the landscape just before reaching the village represents everyone's archetypical idea of classic Tuscany, waves of rolling green hills and cultivated fields. Immediately below the town walls and fortifications, visitors can admire the beautiful church of Madonna di San Biagio. The white pearl Travertine with which the building was erected in the early sixteenth century stands out in the distance against the surrounding fields, welcoming all those deciding to spend a day strolling through the village streets. Leaving the car in one of several car parks outside the walls visitors can walk along the banks of the river that flows through the stylish old town centre which winds its way up the hill along the imposing Renaissance palaces, until it reaches the central square. Piazza Grande, situated at the highest point of the village is dominated by the large tower and the gothic façade of the Palazzo Comunale. Opposite the town hall visitors can admire the Cathedral which dates back to the late sixteenth century. Despite its undeniable beauty, Montepulciano is internationally known above all for its Vino Nobile, one of the most popular Tuscan wines, one which is obtained by pressing grapes from vineyards around the borgo.