 Monterchi was originally a medieval town, perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Tuscan countryside which spreads around in every direction.What remains of the great walls once surrounding the small village, traditionally built to protect inhabitants and assets from invasions and attacks by ravagers, let Monterchi maintain part of the suggestive appearance of a fortified town.Also some of the characteristics alleys typical of the towns built in the Middle ages are still visible, and they now provide shade from the hot Tuscan sun, while they used to be safer to guard and protect than larger ones in case of attacks.