Located on a charming hill, Montalcino has kept intact the charm of an ancient medieval village. Its territory, overlooking the Orcia river and the Ombrone river valleys, is covered with vineyards that produce wines of high quality. The arrival of the first inhabitants of Montalcino dates back to the tenth century: then this town expanded over the centuries and it reached its current size in the fourteenth century; it finally became part of the territory of Siena. In Montalcino it is possible to admire many fine medieval buildings, such as the city walls (which still preserve the ancient gates and part of the towers) and the beautiful fourteenth-century churches of St. Augustine and St. Francis. In addition, close to Montalcino there is the wonderful architectural ensemble of St. Antimo Abbey, an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture, which, according to legend, was built on a votive chapel built by Charlemagne in 781 A.D. Montalcino is a centre of considerable importance also for its food and wine: in fact its territory is well-known for the Sangiovese vineyards, that produce the famous Brunello di Montalcino as well as two other DOC wines (Rosso di Montalcino and St. Antimo).