Some Australian friends who own a fabulous house in Montalcino suggested I visit for the weekend to see the Sagra del Tordo. The Festival of the Thrush has been celebrated on the last Sunday of October since 1958. It is a weekend of costumes, music, street parades, food, wine and a very important archery competition. I’ll tell you all about this in the next post, but first I want to share lovely Montalcino with you.
I got a bit lost on the way there. In my defence, it was very foggy and there was a big truck in front on me and I missed the turn. It wasn’t all bad as I travelled the last 18 kilometres along a dirt road lined with vineyards and gorgeous scenery, which looked wonderful in the mist.
the dirt road to Montalcino
Montalcino is a beautiful town that sits 564 metres above the valleys of Orcia, Arbia and Ombrone. It is a very elegant town full of beautiful shops, restaurants and enotecas selling the famous wine from the area. Don’t leave Montalcino without trying a Brunello or Rosso di Montalcino.
The views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular from Montalcino. I was up bright and early in the morning and did a circuit of the town.The mists from the day before were back, making for some beautiful views.
early morning from Montalcino
isolated by the mist
autumn in Montalcino
early birds
the view from my friends
Montalcino’s streets are very steep, which must help to keep the inhabitants fit. The narrow streets wind their way around the town and there are dozens of steps leading from one street to the next.
lots of steep steps
a long way down - and up
The spring weather has been very mild and gardens are still looking good.
capers, geraniums and persimmons still growing
amazing views
persimmons
bees busy on the crocus flowers, grown for saffron
saffron threads growing
As with all of these wonderful ancient towns there are delights found at all levels. You have to remember to look up.
pigeons always find good spots
a pretty little shrine high up on a wall
the huge city crest on the fortezza
The 4 quarters of the town are decorated with the flags of their area.
the colours of Ruga quartiere
the colours of Borghetto
The church where the archers would be blessed had some extra decoration for the event.
extra angels
The picnic grounds are prepared for the celebrations. It will look a bit different the next day.
the calm before the storm
We attended the dinner for the quartiere Pianello. My friends’ house is in this area and it is very important to support your local team.
an invitation to dinner
There was a wonderful party atmosphere in the town for the whole weekend. Enotecas were offering tastings of delicious food and wine.
local delights
lots to try
I stayed at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast called Porta Castellana in Via S. Lucia 20. It is run by the delightful Annalisa. Give her a call on (39) 0577 839001 or look at the website – www.portacastellana.it
Take a look at the place where I had breakfast.
This was my delicious breakfast.
We have been to Montalcino before. Click here to see the previous post.