MONTEPULCIANO
The humanist Agnolo Ambrogini, known as Il Poliziano (1454-94), was born here during the period of the town’s greatest splendour between the 15th and 17th century. Piazza Grande is the heart of the town: the Cathedral of St. Maria built between 1592 and 1630 holds the tomb of Bartolomeo Aragazzi, sculptured by Michelozzo (1427-36), and the Assumption by Taddeo di Bartolo (1401) towers above the high altar. Political, noble and religious power stand side by side in the supreme works by Michelozzo, Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio and Vignola, and the attractive stonework continues along the steep streets through the town. On the road to Pienza lies the impressive church of San Biagio, the lonely work of art by Antonio da Sangallo Il Vecchio. Its monumental stature undulates in geometric shapes, both inside and out, around the central plan.