Monteriggioni represents one of the most significant fortified villages in the area. It has remained incredibly intact as if time had never passed on that hill, from where it elegantly dominates the entire surrounding landscape.
The town is located in the province of Siena, halfway between this splendid city and Colle Val d’Elsa. The perfect circularity of its perimeter makes it look like an artificially constructed building. Instead, it was obtained by following the natural contours of the land.
Monteriggioni was built by the Sienese between 1213 and 1219 for purely defensive purposes and dominates the territory from the top of a hill overlooking the Via Cassia, a strategic position that allowed the city to control Colle Val d’Elsa and Staggia.
The intact city walls consist of 14 towers and 2 gates. The Porta Franca or Romea facing Rome and the Porta Fiorentina facing Florence. The structure of the borough as we see it today can essentially be considered the original one, the only modifications it underwent were in the 16th century (the towers were adapted to the new firearms and earth was added to the base of the outer walls) and in 1921, when 3 of the 14 towers were lowered to the level of the walls.
The Armour Museum with medieval weapons is very interesting. Visitors also have the opportunity to wear armour.
Monteriggioni Medieval Festival
Every year, a special event is celebrated within the town walls in July: the ‘Medieval Festival’ of Monteriggioni, one of the most beautiful and verisimilar medieval re-enactments in the region. The town flies back in time to medieval times, and the streets are filled with artisans, noble knights and costumed commoners to create an exciting atmosphere. Dance, live performances, music, theatre, children’s shows, duelling re-enactments, drummers, acrobats, storytellers and more.
A tour through history that also offers the opportunity to taste ancient flavours of the era: taverns, inns and restaurants open to give a gastronomic sense to your journey into the past. You will also have the opportunity to exchange your Euros for medieval coins and with these make purchases within the walls.
