Montescudaio

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the city of wine and bread

Montescudaio is a small village in Val Cecina that has been included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. From its historic castle walls, you can see the Tyrrhenian Sea and its islands.

Its name derives from the Latin Mons scutorum, which means "Mount of the Shields". The first inhabited centre was formed around a Benedictine monastery, founded in 1091 by Count Gherardo Della Gherardesca. Under this family’s control, it stood strong for a long time and, thanks to its strategic position, became an important village.

In this small Tuscan town even time seems to have stopped. You can still experience the Middle Ages in the village’s winding streets.

What to see in Montescudaio

The castle is surrounded by impressive walls which rise up to 15 metres high and preserve the original masonry in the north and south sections. Of particular importance is the Guardiola, the only remaining watchtower. It also offers a breathtaking panorama that sweeps from the Cecina plain to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Piazza Matteotti is right in the centre of the village and is the home of the famous sculptor, Italo Griselli. Have a look around the palaces of the town’s noble families such as the Marchionneschi, the Ridolfi and Palazzo Guerrini, now the Town Hall.

Don't miss the Church of Santissima Annunziata or the Piazzale del Castello with the Church of Santa Maria Assunta which overlooks the village and has a beautiful panoramic view of the area.

Nearby

It’s definitely worth exploring the Via dei Pellegrini in the surroundings of Montescudaio. Along this trail, you’ll find the Historic Abbey and the Scornabecchi garden, a natural oasis with some medieval springs.

Don’t miss out on a visit to the Etruscan Coast villages of Casale Marittimo and Guardistallo, two idyllic towns nestled between the sea of the Etruscan Coast and the greenery of the olive trees.

Events

Since 1968, the Wine Festival has been celebrated on the first weekend of October. The event is particularly important for producers and foodies. Montescudaio DOC wine alongside the area’s other wines are all available to try, resulting in a huge variety of choice, from Sangiovese to the most innovative grape varieties such as Cabernet and Merlot.

Typical products

Montescudaio is part of the National Association of Wine Cities and boasts its own DOC, which includes all the Val di Cecina, excepting Volterra. In 1977, Montescudaio obtained the Controlled Denomination of Origin title with two kinds of wine, one being a red based on sangiovese, trebbiano, malvasia and other grapes, the other a white based on trebbiano, malvasia and vermentino which can also be produced as dry, semi-dry or sweet vin santo.

Besides being the City of Wine, Montescudaio is also the City of Bread; try its classic Tuscan-style bread baked in a wood-burning oven and you won’t be disappointed.