Fortezza di Montalcino

About the museum

The fortress was built from 1361 at the behest of Siena, on the Barlanzone hill in the southern part of the town, incorporating sections of the 13th-century walls, the keep of San Martino and the tower of San Giovanni. The plan is pentagonal, with a tower at each corner, and the walls enclose an area of about 8,000 square metres.

During the 16th century it became the last bulwark of the Republic of Siena against the Medici conquest; the external spur dates from that period. To reinforce the weakest point, to the south-west, Cosimo I de’ Medici had the bastion of San Giovanni built, which today houses the holm oak garden.

Access is by a stone ramp and a gate with a Gothic arch and machicolations. Inside the large courtyard are the remains of the ancient church of Sant’Egidio abate and the keep, while the wall walkways along the walls and towers can still be walked and offer views over the Val d’Orcia and the surrounding hills. The courtyard is used for summer shows and concerts.

Highlights

• Keep and corner towers of pentagonal plan
• Wall walkways along the walls and towers, open to visitors
• Holm oak garden in the San Giovanni bastion
• Remains of the church of Sant’Egidio abate
• View over the Val d’Orcia from the bastions

Founded

1361

Operated by

Comune di Montalcino

Visitors per year

approx. 40,000

Admission & discounts

Prices given by the Musei Italiani portal (updated October 2024) for visiting the wall walkways; it is advisable to check them with the venue.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

In the fortress courtyard there is a wine bar with tastings of Montalcino wines.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit