Come and discover one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Montaione is located in a splendid position right in the heart of Tuscany - about an hour's drive from Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca and near the very famous medieval towns of San Gimignano and Volterra.
Montaione is an ancient medieval castle, surrounded by hills covered in a lush carpet of oak and chestnut woods, vineyards and olive groves, clay slopes bordered with cypress trees.
Still today, the oval shape of its historic center, once protected by a strong city wall, reinforced with 11 towers, can be seen in the map of the town.
The main entry points into the centre are still those where the ancient castle gates once stood, and when you enter the historic town centre, you will be walking along the same streets, small squares and alleyways from many centuries ago, and you will discover the historic buildings that make it one of "the most beautiful villages in Italy".
Today Montaione has in fact the privilege of being part of the Association of "I Borghi più Belli d'Italia" ("The most beautiful villages in Italy").
But the beauty of this village does not end in its historic center: its artistic and cultural heritage is completed by discovering the several churches, the castles and the monasteries - as well as the stunning views - in its hamlets and in its vast region.
"Estate Montaionese"
In Montaione, summertime means music, entertainment and culture.
In Montaione, summertime means crafts, food and wine.
In Montaione, summertime is a celebration and a tradition.
In Montaione, summertime is about celebrating the "piazza" and the territory.
To be experienced from June to September, the summer events program in Montaione is an explosion of colours, sounds and flavours. The desire to meet with friends and family and spend time together is infectious.
A lively and welcoming community goes out of its way to offer creative and artistic events that can be shared by everyone, people from Montaione and tourists.
The most picturesque corners of the village are transformed into natural stages, where artistic and culinary pleasures meet, and the intimate ambience makes for a summer full of emotions.
New ideas and new spaces are added every year to the list of well known events: the concerts of Classica - classic music festival in San Vivaldo- the children's Theatre I Paesi di Marzapane, the Live Music Festival, the food & wine events such as Ciccia & Vino and Inforchett'ando, countryside hikes organized by Il Paesaggio Ritrovato (Rediscovering the Landscape) and the Uso & Riuso (Use & Reuse) street markets.
This is the "Estate Montaionese" - so it's called the summer events program, a packed schedule of events organized by the Municipality of Montaione and many local associations.
"Tartufesta"
The wine and food tradition of this region is very important. In the woods of Montaione you can find the white truffle, tmost prized species of truffle in the world. But the truffle is only the main jewel in the crown in a land that also offers other gastronomic delights, such as olive oil for the refined palate and top-quality wines.
Farms and artisan producers also offer pecorino and goat cheese, fruit jams, locally raised and produced cured and fresh meat.
With more than 20 restaurants, food lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to taste the delights of Tuscan cuisine, and some of them even feature innovative reinterpretations of more traditional dishes.
In honour to the white truffle, "king of the table" and "pearl of the woods", at the end of October, Montaione holds Tartufesta.
This exhibition-market of truffles and local delicacies is an explosion of flavours and knowledge, which showcases the excellence of the food and wine production in the area
The festival includes various exhibition areas with local agricultural and handicraft products on display, as well as a vast programme of events and experiences for visitors and tourists to enjoy, such as hikes, guided tours, and the CookingArtShow.
