Getting There
By Train -- The bus is better, as few trains on the Siena-Grosseto line stop at either Torrenieri or Sant'Angelo (both about 10km/6 1/4 miles away), from which there are a few buses to connect you with Montalcino.
By Car -- Montalcino is about 8km (5 miles) off the SS2 Via Cassia running between Siena and Rome. There is a small parking lot next to the fortress just inside the walls. If it's full, you can also find some parking just outside the walls.
By Bus -- There are vaguely hourly Tra-in buses from Siena (1 hr.); a few require a change at Buonconvento. SITA (tel. 06/4173-0083 in Rome; www.sita-on-line.it) makes two runs daily from Rome. The bus terminus in Montalcino is Piazza Cavour; buy your tickets at Bar Prato on the piazza.
Visitor Information
The tourist office (tel./fax 0577-849-331) is across from the entrance to the Palazzo Comunale at Via Costa Municipio 8. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 1pm and 2 to 6pm.
Festivals
Celebrating the opening of hunting season is the Torneo della Apertura della Caccia, held on the second Sunday in August. The events, dating from the 14th century, include archery competitions and lots of food as everybody struts in medieval costume. The residents dust off those outfits again for a similar but much larger festival called the Sagra del Tordo, held the last weekend in October. It kicks off at noon on Saturday with an archery competition pitting Montalcino's four contrade against one another. Parades, pageantry, and plenty of food follow for the next 2 days. The festa honors the lowly thrush, hundreds of which meet their maker on huge spits over open fires during the weekend. The fowl is accompanied by plates piled high with pici pasta and Brunello to wash it all down. Friday is market day on Viale della Libertà.
