Montepulciano's cultural life is also very varied. The International Art Workshop, which takes place at the end of July and beginning of August attracts music-lovers from all over the world. The local town festival ends on the last Sunday of August with the "Bravio delle Botti", a traditional competition of strength and skill fought out between the town's various areas. On occasions such as these, the town comes to life and it is not uncommon to come across improvised concerts on street corners or to become involved in banquets organised by the town's various parishes in the town square which give you the opportunity of tasting local gastronomic specialities. There is also a series of concerts organised by the Accademia Renana - whose overseas headquarters is based in Montepulciano - an event further enriches Montepulciano's summer months. The thing that makes Montepulciano unique in Tuscany and indeed in the world, however, is its excellent Vino Nobile, a fine, quality wine whose producers have become real ambassadors of Tuscany throughout the world. It is located on the top of a hill, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with one of those views which has made Tuscany famous the world over. The peace and quiet are ideal for a study holiday far from bustling town centres. The town's artistic wealth is also a major point of interest: the old town centre is full of churches and "palazzi" which testify to Italy's architectural history, in particular where the mediaeval and Renaissance periods are concerned. However, the area also boasts a great many Etruscan and Roman remains, Baroque churches and a miniature copy of La Scala theatre in Milan, called Poliziano. Montepulciano, although a small historic town, is different from many others in that it is very active and lively, a place where the locals still stop to chat in bars or markets and have a great interest in foreign visitors. This makes it an ideal place for learning Italian "on the street", an essential part of any language -learning experience.