Events in Tuscany
Bravio delle Botti
last Sunday of August · Montepulciano
The Bravio delle Botti is the contest between Montepulciano’s eight contrade: pairs of pushers roll barrels of about 80 kilos uphill along the main street, for just under two kilometres, to the cathedral steps in Piazza Grande. It is run on the last Sunday of August; the preceding week brings contrada dinners, the Procession of the Candles and the presentation of the Bravìo, the painted banner awarded to the winning contrada.
The town closes to traffic and the centre is reached on foot from the outer car parks; villas in the surroundings — Montepulciano, Pienza, Sinalunga — host families who come for the Vino Nobile and find the race as a surprise. The concierge books a table at a contrada dinner and arranges the return with a driver after the prize-giving.
- When
- Edition dates based on the event’s usual calendar: to be confirmed with the organiser.
Where to stay
Tripcare manages 3 houses within 25 kilometres of Bravio delle Botti, with in-person check-in and a concierge who knows the dates, the road closures and the car parks. Event nights are booked months ahead: the earlier you write, the more choice there is.
Why it matters if you own a villa
The last weekend of August is already high season: the Bravio adds local and Italian demand to the foreign families and justifies a four-night minimum stay in the houses of the Valdichiana.
The towns around the event
Book early
For the Bravio delle Botti dates the nearby houses sell out early. Write to us with your dates and number of guests: we reply with real availability and a quote within 24 hours.
Ask for availability