The Brunello Trail: wine, history and Romanesque splendor

Nestled in a pristine valley just a few kilometers from Montalcino, the Abbey of Sant’Antimo appears like a medieval mirage among centuries-old olive trees and Brunello vineyards. It is one of the most important masterpieces of Romanesque architecture in Italy, a place where time seems to have stood still and where architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
The abbey’s foundation is shrouded in myth: legend has it that none other than Charlemagne ordered its construction in 781. The emperor, returning from Rome along the Via Francigena, decided to build a monastery as a votive offering for saving his army from a terrible plague.

What we admire today is the splendid 12th-century reconstruction. During the Middle Ages, Sant’Antimo became one of the richest and most powerful abbeys in Tuscany, a crucial spiritual and cultural center that controlled vast territories.

Highlights not to be missed:
The glowing stone: The structure is built of travertine with alabaster veins. During sunny hours, the walls catch the light, creating golden and translucent hues that make the atmosphere almost mystical.

The Gregorian Chant: Inside, the extraordinary acoustics of the nave amplify voices. If you are lucky, you can still hear the evocative Gregorian chants echoing through the solemn silence of the church.

The hidden details: Sharpen your eyes to catch the finely carved capitals, including the famous Daniel in the Lions’ Den, a masterpiece by the Master of Cabestany.

Val di Suga is one of the most iconic and fascinating wineries in Montalcino, celebrated for its ability to express the incredible variety of this territory through its three historic Brunello crus (Vigna del Lago, Vigna Spuntali, and Poggio al Granchio), each born from completely different slopes and soils. Nestled in a postcard-perfect landscape, the estate masterfully blends deep-rooted Tuscan winemaking tradition with modern and sustainable vinification techniques, offering visitors guided tours and tastings that transform into true sensory journeys to discover the elegance and complexity of Sangiovese.

The Fortress (or Rocca) of Montalcino is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture built in 1361. Located at the highest point of the village, it offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Val d’Orcia and is famous for housing a prestigious wine shop where you can taste the iconic Brunello.
It features a pentagonal layout with five imposing corner towers. It is the ancient stronghold that defended the Republic of Siena against Florence.
Access to the inner courtyard is free, while a small fee is required to climb the walls and walk along the patrol pathways.