Montepulciano: book & film recommendations
Books
The Road to Montepulciano – Garrick Jones
Set in the post-war period, this novel follows a young man who, amid a series of gruesome murders, finds friendship, love, and the warmth of the Montepulciano community.
An Italian Secret – Ella Carey
A novel set in Tuscany during World War II, inspired by the landscapes of Montepulciano and its surroundings.
Guerra in Val d’Orcia: Diario di un’italiana 1943-1944 – Iris Origo
(War in Val d’Orcia: An Italian War Diary, 1943-1944) A firsthand account of life at La Foce during World War II, as Iris Origo and her husband helped locals, refugees, and escaped prisoners survive the war.
La Foce: A Garden and Landscape in Tuscany – Benedetta Origo
Written by Iris Origo’s daughter, this book explores the transformation of La Foce into a stunning garden and agricultural estate.
Images and Shadows: Part of a Life – Iris Origo
(Immagini e Ombre) A memoir detailing Origo’s cosmopolitan upbringing and her life in Tuscany.
Sotto Il Sole Della Toscana – Frances Mayes
(Under the Tuscan Sun) Set mainly in Cortona, this memoir captures the beauty and lifestyle of Tuscany
Un Anno In Toscana – Peter Nichols
(A Year in the World) A travel memoir about life in Tuscany, including Montepulciano.
Il Borghese Gentiluomo – Mario Tobino
Set in Tuscany, this novel captures the charm and contradictions of the region.
La Sposa Giovane – Alessandro Baricco
A novel set in an unnamed Tuscan villa, blending poetic prose and mystery.
Il Palio Dei Buffi – Antonio Tabucchi
A surreal and satirical take on the Palio, inspired by Tuscan traditions.
La Ragazza Di Bube – Carlo Cassola
(Bebo’s Girl) A post-WWII novel set in rural Tuscany, capturing the region’s history.
FILMS
Sotto Il Sole Della Toscana (Under the Tuscan Sun) – 2003
Set mainly in Cortona but featuring surrounding Tuscan landscapes.
Io Ballo Da Sola (Stealing Beauty) – 1996
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this film captures the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with scenes near Montepulciano.
Il Paziente Inglese (The English Patient) – 1996
Parts of this Oscar-winning film were shot in Tuscany, including the Monastery of Sant'Anna in Camprena, close to Montepulciano.
New Moon (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) – 2009
Key scenes were filmed in Montepulciano, which stood in for Volterra in the movie.
La Ragazza Di Bube – 1964
Based on the novel by Carlo Cassola, this film portrays post-war Tuscany.
Nostalghia – 1983
Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, featuring stunning Tuscan landscapes.