It has been quite a feat to get here without a vehicle. Cars, trains, buses and bag drags, missing a stop and other small anxiety inducing issues have arisen. Alas, I made it, to my new home for the next little while. Here are my first impressions of Montepulciano Italy.
Old
There are two parts to the city, the oldest medieval stone city high atop a limestone ridge, and the newer one below. I of course, loving the full immersion experience, am residing in the old part. My abode is a 16th century stone room on the bottom floor of a larger building.
Cold, damp and musty, I feel like I have travelled back in time. It would not surprise me to walk the streets here and be passed by horse and cart, maidens with loaves of bread and pipe smoking gentlemen out for a stroll.
Clean
I realize I just mentioned my home is dirty, but the city in general is very clean. Lovely to wander these ancient streets and not see piles of garbage. I have been pleasantly surprised by all places I have visited thus far in Tuscany in this regard.
Stairs
If you have ever seen a photograph of a hillside town in Tuscany, you might have realized there would be stairs involved. A lot of them. The city is basically one main street along the top of the ridge. Then another that parallels that on either side, but lower down, and then another. Connecting each of these streets are semi-covered archways of old stone steps. Montepulciano needs no gyms; the city is a giant one.
Stunning
I am in awe. As long as I stay off the main street where the other tourists are, I can actually imagine with very little prompt, that I am indeed in another century. Some of these buildings appear not to have been altered hardly at all. I adore the details such as the old door hardware, stone window frames and decorative detailing of the renaissance family coats of arms.
Views
It might have been a challenge to get up this high, but wow does the effort ever pay off in spades. I have never in my life seen such exquisite views of the countryside as I do here. Montepulciano is situated between two valleys that are full of vineyards and olive orchards. Every incredible postcard like image you have seen of Tuscany, is what I am seeing as I stand at the edge of this cliff town and look out at the horizon.
I am going to like it here. Perhaps not my accommodation, that is small, without a kitchen and smelly. But the city itself, the history of wine production, the ancient Etruscan roots and the enchanting Tuscan charm is going to be fascinating to discover.
