A small town has been crowned the world’s most welcoming city in the world, boasting Renaissance architecture and world-famous wine
A small town in Italy has been crowned the world’s most welcoming city in the world, boasting Renaissance architecture and world-famous wine(Image: David Pinzer Photography via Getty Images)
The “most welcoming city” in the world has been unveiled – and it’s a mere three-hour journey from the UK. According to data from Booking.com, several British cities have made the cut for their hospitality towards holidaymakers, with Harrogate taking the crown as the UK’s most welcoming city.
However, the title of the “world’s most welcoming city” goes to the Italian town of Montepulciano. Nestled amongst the Tuscan hills, this town offers a wealth of heritage that belies its small size.
Montepulciano is a quaint town with a population of just 14,000 residents, perched on a hill overlooking lush countryside bathed in Italian sunshine.
Since World War 2, tourism has played a crucial role in the local economy, with the town’s history stretching back to the Renaissance era.
The town’s intriguing past is reflected in its architecture, which was shaped by the Renaissance period, earning it the esteemed title of the “Pearl of the Cinquecento”.
The buildings were meticulously designed by architects of the time, making a stroll through the narrow lanes feel like a journey back in time.
Among Montepulciano’s architectural gems is the grand Duomo, built between the 16th and 17th centuries.
The town’s celebrated city hall was also crafted by renowned Renaissance architects hailing from nearby Florence, reports the Express.
Montepulciano is a remarkably pedestrian-friendly destination, with most of its streets designated as car-free zones.
If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the town’s lively atmosphere, take a leisurely walk along the main street, which stretches for just under a mile and is lined with charming local independent shops and plenty of eateries.
In addition to the small-town charm that Montepulciano naturally exudes, its food and drink scene also draws visitors from all over the world.
The town is surrounded by a rich wine heritage, with its renowned noble wine being granted protected status within Italian gastronomy.
And if that wasn’t enough, the town holds some hidden gems and ancient traditions that have stood the test of time.
One such tradition is the ‘Bravio delle botti’, where participants roll a massive wine barrel through the town’s streets, a custom dating back to the 14th century.
To get to Montepulciano, Brits can fly to nearby Perugia, with Ryanair offering direct flights.
UK travellers can fly directly to Perugia from London Stansted Airport, with flights taking roughly three hours to reach the sun-soaked region, before continuing on to Montepulciano.
However, Ryanair isn’t the only airline connecting British tourists to Perugia, as British Airways also runs a service from London Heathrow Airport to Perugia.
It’s worth mentioning though, that the Heathrow service only operates seasonally, while the Stansted service runs throughout the year.
The complete list of Booking.com’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth is as follows:
- Montepulciano, Italy
- Magong, Taiwan
- San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
- Harrogate, United Kingdom
- Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
- Pirenópolis, Brazil
- Swakopmund, Namibia
- Takayama, Japan
- Noosa Heads, Australia
- Klaipeda, Lithuania