Montauto: History, Trails and Wine

Montauto combines historical local connections, trails through the landscape and viticulture into a destination with several clear points of access. The themes range from San Lorenzo and the former settlement of Montagutolo to a circular trail, the Via Francigena and the Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine route.

History and Church in Montauto

Montauto was formerly called Montagutolo and was a settlement enclosed by a ring wall that developed around a castle and a church and overlooked the landscape. The castle of Montagutolo was also known as Montauto and has been documented since the 10th century. A church in Montauto dedicated to Saint Lawrence was explicitly mentioned in a document issued by Pope Alexander III in 1171.

The Church of San Lorenzo was rebuilt after it was destroyed together with the Castle of Montauto in the first half of the 13th century. San Lorenzo in Montauto was elevated to the status of provost church in 1784. San Lorenzo in Montauto is a rectangular, non-apsidal building made of stone and brick.

The Church of San Lorenzo houses a painting of Our Lady of the Rosary with Saints Lawrence, Agnes and Dominic from 1647. The 1647 painting therefore dates from a significantly later period than the documentary mention of the church in 1171.

Circular Trail and Via Francigena

A circular trail approximately 6 km long leads through fields, woods and paths to an old mill and the village of Montauto. The circular trail to Montauto leads to a viewpoint overlooking San Gimignano. Traces of wild animals can be identified along the way; local geological formations can also be found there. The trail length of approximately six kilometres provides a clear framework for planning an excursion in Montauto.

In the wider surroundings of Montauto, Via Francigena Stage 32 runs for 31.3 km from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni. At 31.3 kilometres, it is significantly longer than the approximately 6 km circular trail. Water and refreshment facilities are available on the stage only in inhabited centres; these points are therefore part of the planning for completing the entire route. Montauto lies along the ancient, hilly route of the Via Francigena.

Wine Route and Excursion

The Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine route leads towards Montauto, where visitors can visit local wine cellars. The agricultural company “Castello di Montauto” has cultivated the vineyards around the village of the same name since the 1980s. The wine route and vineyards therefore also anchor Montauto in a regional landscape whose connections extend beyond the village.

The guided tour and the excursion are suitable for adults and children.

Access and Further Destinations

The current access road to Montauto is a local connecting road that branches off to the left from a more important road. This road runs via Castelsangimignano from San Gimignano to Volterra.

As another destination in the same higher-level selection, you will find Ulignano.

For the higher-level travel overview: San Gimignano.