One of the last larger towns in near proximity to our lodging (i.e. within about 30 minutes) was Montepulciano. Marcello, the son of family that owned the agriturismo where we stayed, specifically recommended we stop by as it was one of his favorite places to visit for a evening away from home.
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After our day long excursion to Siena, we returned to taking shorter trips to other local hill towns. Montalcino was next on our list, famously know worldwide for its Brunello wine, and like most of the other ancient settlements in the region, stems from Etruscan origins. The town has been known for its high-quality leather products since the medieval times, with many tanneries and cobbler shops still lining the streets.
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After our stop at the Abbey, we continued north towards Siena. As with just about every other place we visited, the architecture of the primary landmarks did not dissappoint. The Siena Cathedral is at the heart of the city, dating back almost 800 years.
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