For most people, Tuscany is the first place that comes to mind when Italy is mentioned. And why shouldn’t it be? The region’s perfectly lined cypress trees and endless hill-top towns give a longing to settle in its lush green countryside. In addition to Florence and Pisa, Tuscan towns of Siena, San Gimignano, Radda in Chianti, and Volterra are becoming popular with each passing day. However, the region of Tuscany boasts many more extraordinary secrets and beauties than just these towns. One such place is the historic village of Montestigliano, owned by the Donati family.
A Family Name
Montestigliano is strategically placed between Siena and Pienza and is in the center yet away from the crowds. Owned by the Donati family for over 3 centuries, Montestigliano looks as dreamy from afar as it is when you reach it. The hill-top village is home to several restored palazzi that are now converted to a modern-day luxury resort. Montestigliano offers different houses, each named after a member of the Donati family. The head of the family, Giancarlo Donati, lives in the same village as the other family members. Giancarlo and his family have taken exceptional care to make the property up to modern-day standards, yet still keep the quintessential Italian touch.
Every guest is made to feel extra special in this panoramic farmhouse, where there’s fresh local food, delicious bottles of Montestigliano olive oil, and hospitality. The sophisticated property welcomes weddings and family get-togethers and even hosts summer evenings in typical Tuscan style. The property has recreation areas and a common swimming pool to relieve your troubles. Plus, a little hiking around the Tuscan hills never hurts.
Visiting Val D’Orcia
Montestigliano is a great base from where wonderful day trips can be made to the surrounding towns in the UNESCO heritage road of Val d’Orcia. Pienza, nestled in the hills overlooking the fabulous countryside, is a popular pick. The town is renowned for its pecorino, a heavenly cheese and an authentic taste of Tuscany. Pienza’s towering Duomo (Cathedral)and streets are deeply enigmatic. Careful attention has been given to the street names of Pienza, including “Via dell’Amore” (Street of Love), Via del Bacio (Street of Kiss), and Vicolo Cieco (a blind alley).
Not far from Pienza’s winding Tuscan roads is the Renaissance town of Montepulciano, known for its delicious wine “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano”. The historic town and its old baroque streets and palaces make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. A good pair of walking shoes is highly recommended, as most of the town is an uphill climb until the Palazzo Communale.
Montepulciano is another fabulous day trip from Montestigliano, where you can sample a few more Tuscan specialties and enjoy coffee and wine at Caffè Poliziano and Cantina De’ Ricci, respectively. The idyllic town has a lot to discover despite the number of tourists. But just as in any Italian town, take a turn in an alley away from the center and you would feel completely different.
