Montefollonico and the noble Trecci's

 A group of hardy fellow students and I walked the 2.5 hour hike to the hilltop town of Montefollonico:

The long and winding strada bianca that leads to this medieval borgo that for most of its life was the home of a monastery where the monks made felt and other woolen products.  The wool was sent up to them and they did the rest.  Apparently it was a lucrative business as it kept the monastery going strong for centuries. Now it is a tourist attraction, for very few tourists.  The population of the town is 149.  Alas. 

 Here we are in our moment of victory!

And here we are all smashed into a taxi to take us home.

I finished my two weeks of private lessons today.  What a wonderful experience.  I worked with Vanessa and we had such fun.  I learned a lot and gained much confidence.  A little stroll around Montepulciano this afternoon.  One spot I think it so interesting and lovely is the Porta della Farina.  Literally, the portal for the flour.  This was the way in from the mills that were located in the valley.  

Notice the remaining fresco decoration.  Right next to it is the chapel that belonged to the noble family I Trecci.  This sweet little chapel is so darling and intimate and it is connected to an interesting study, that frankly looks like some 300 year old scholar is still using it.

Behind iron bars is a real prize, a bottle of I Trecci Vino Nobile from 1870.

The portal, the chapel, the study are all connected to the Palazzo of the family Trecci:

I would love a palazzo :)