San Biagio stands outside Montepulciano in Tuscany. Antonio da Sangallo the Elder designed it, inspired by the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato, which was designed by his brother Giuliano da Sangallo. Pope Leo X supported the project. It was built from 1518 to 1540, and construction continued until 1580. It stands on the site of an early Christian church of St. Mary, later dedicated to St. Blaise.
The Renaissance church has a Greek cross plan, derived from works by Filippo Brunelleschi. The same plan was used for the original design of St. Peter's Basilica by Bramante and Michelangelo. A central dome rests on a drum, and the exterior is built of travertine slabs.
Two symmetrical towers were planned, but only one was built. The bell tower has several floors and ends in a pyramidal cusp.
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