The Comune of Montepulciano has a population of 15,000, of which a third reside in the main town, and has a surface area of 165 sq. km. It is the largest Comune in the Valdichiana Senese, and is situated on a hill at 605 m above sea level, giving a stupendous view of the valleys and hills around. The delightful landscape is enhanced by olive groves and vineyards as well as natural features such as the chalky hills and cypresses which delineate the vertical contours of the landscape. From the Renaissance Municipal Palace one can see Mounts Sibillini and Cimone, and on an exceptionally clear day, the Gran Sasso d'Abruzzo. From Montepulciano it is easy to reach the Orcia Valley (Pienza, San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni), Mount Amiata, Umbria (Perugia, Assisi, Lake Trasimeno) and Latium.