Montepulciano is famous as a wine-producing area of Tuscany and sampling local wines is definitely a must for anyone who has found a luxury villa in Montepulciano. However, if you're looking for something else to do (and maybe to walk away the light-headedness after tasting a few of the delicious wines produced in and around the town) why not take a stroll around and discover some of its rather impressive architectural gems?
One of these architectural gems is the Nobili-Tarugi Palace, or Palazzo Nobili Tarugi. Located in the town's main square, the Piazza Grande, right in front of the lovely Cathedral of Montepulciano, this palace was built in the first decades of the sixteenth century. For a long time it was thought to have been built according to the designs of the famous architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder but more recent investigations into the history of the building suggest that is may have actually been the work of Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola.
Originally the residence of the Nobili, it then passed to the Tarugi family. It is still privately owned and not open to the public but its magnificent facade can be readily admired from the piazza. Completely travertine-faced from the ground up, it has a rather imposing portico and a loggia with big round arches, open to the exterior on the ground floor on the left side of the building and closed on the right but fronted by built-in stone benches. The piano nobile, meanwhile has beautiful big windows resting on scrolls and topped by semi-circular pediments, with the five bays being separated by Ionic engaged columns. The second floor has a balustrade, also in travertine resting on top of these engaged columns, which become Doric pilasters at this level. While the overall result appears somewhat restrained and chic, the building is ornate in its careful details with much to take in.
For those wandering Montepulciano, be sure to swing by, take it all in and maybe sit on one of those impressive stone benches with a coffee as you admire the piazza.
Originally the residence of the Nobili, it then passed to the Tarugi family. It is still privately owned and not open to the public but its magnificent facade can be readily admired from the piazza. Completely travertine-faced from the ground up, it has a rather imposing portico and a loggia with big round arches, open to the exterior on the ground floor on the left side of the building and closed on the right but fronted by built-in stone benches. The piano nobile, meanwhile has beautiful big windows resting on scrolls and topped by semi-circular pediments, with the five bays being separated by Ionic engaged columns. The second floor has a balustrade, also in travertine resting on top of these engaged columns, which become Doric pilasters at this level. While the overall result appears somewhat restrained and chic, the building is ornate in its careful details with much to take in.
For those wandering Montepulciano, be sure to swing by, take it all in and maybe sit on one of those impressive stone benches with a coffee as you admire the piazza.
