THE TOWN

Montisi is located between the Val di Chiana, Val d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi, ideal for exploring central Tuscany and yet with access to major cities – an hour or less away; Siena, Perugia, Arezzo, Cortona, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza, as well as monasteries and abbeys and castles. Rome is only 2.5 hours away and Florence 1.5 hours away.

Even with only 380 permanent residents Montisi is a very active, lively village. Divided into 4 quartiers, or contrade, it hosts each year several festivals that center around its medieval history (Festa di Giostra di Simone in August) and the New Oil Festival in November. The contrade are the life blood of the village and it is often the case that dinners and parties flow out into the street and welcome visitors.

Montisi has had a lively cinema since the 1930's, which seats 100 people. In La Grancia, the last of the historic fortified farms along the pilgrimage route called Francigena, there is the completely restored 60 seat live theater that often hosts village theater performances and other activities. Montisi has 4 restaurants, a bar and newsstand, a bakery, small grocery, bank, pharmacy and a seasonal harpsichord music school in our castle. Other activities include professional hot air ballooning and numerous painters and sculptors who often open their studios and workshops. Some of our local artists will also teach painting and drawing by reservation. In short, Montisi can captivate you and allow you to leave your car behind or explore actively the elements of Italian life, Tuscany life and the gentle country life just outside the city walls.