Nestled in the province of Siena, Monteriggioni represents one of the most important walled castles in the territory. We had a short visit to this village on the way to Siena during our Liguria and Tuscany summer trip. It is also easily reachable from Florence. To look around the place takes only less than an hour. However, you can spend some time relaxing there. But if you want to join some local events, you could easily spend hours there.
The highlight of the village are:
- The circular layout of the fortification
- The towers and gates
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta
- Museum Monteriggioni in Arme
- The intact walls
The circular layout of the fortification
The quintessential medieval Tuscan village was built on a hill by the Sienese in the 13th century so the inhabitants could protect the front line from their rivals, the Florentines. It has an incredibly well-preserved structure. Its circular layout of the walls was built simply following the sketch of the ground’s curves of the level. Monteriggioni was the typical fortified village that started its life as a castle at the beginning of 1200.
The towers and gates
There are fourteen towers and two gates in the small village. One gate is called the Franca or Romea Gate, which faces Rome, and the other is known as the Florentine Gate, which heads toward Florence. Over the year, for unknown reasons, some of the towers were lower than before.
The town is very touristic but there were not so many visitors during the summer holiday time. Some corners in the village were so silent and looked pretty romantic. Monteriggioni only consists of a few streets.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
After entering the village through the main gate, the Piazza Roma and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta came into sight. This church was built in 1213, the year Monteriggioni was also established. It is a simple and elegant church that fits well in the lovely castle town. We could enter freely on that day. Some impressive frescoes have been partially restored. The stone arch at the entrance is beautiful.
Museum Monteriggioni in Arme
In addition to the church, the museum Monteriggioni in Arme is where you can have fun with the armors. You can even try some on, a special treat for amour enthusiasts. The museum displays samples that illustrate the techniques used for battles over the centuries. It has some information on the battles that occurred in the area.
The intact walls
The cobbled stone street and stone houses haven’t seen much change over the passing centuries, and the walls of Monteriggioni are still intact. The walkway to the walls was added recently. However, the walls were being repaired when we visited the place. Otherwise, we could have the chance to take a short walk on the complex structure.
Travel tips
Monteriggioni Medieval festival
The Medieval Festival takes place on three weekends during July each year. It represents the image of Monteriggioni’s cultural heritage. The main activities of the festival are such as concerts, banquets, theaters. Visitors can buy tickets online. All programs end at midnight. Therefore, to participate in the event, it is suggested to stay locally.
Where to stay
How to get there
- The easiest way to reach Monteriggioni is by car and exit at Monteriggioni.
- However, trains, buses, or even taxis are also available. Please check the connections at rome2rio.com.
- Or, join one of the organized tours to explore Monteriggioni.
hey, nice! There are tons of hidden-gem towns in Tuscany, and thanks that you just shared another perfect one!!! I must find chance to visit it.
I loved Monteriggioni when I went a couple years ago. It’s such a lovely Tuscan town. Thank you for bringing me back to this amazing place 🙂
Great and informative post! Can’t wait until it’s possible to travel to Italy again. So many charming villages!
I love medieval festivals so much! Went to one in France and I’ll never forget it!
Tuscany is so beautiful, I could spend a lifetime exploring it! Amazing post!
Wow! what a stunning place. Never heard of it.
I visited Monteriggioni 2 times in 2014. I walked the walls the first time. It was awesome. Fabulous views! The second time I was with the owner of the agriturismo where I was staying and a couple other women. We had a lovely meal so I got to see the town light up at night a bit. Monteriggioni is much smaller than I thought it would be, but it’s a charming destination and worthy of time. There are some cute artisan shops there too. I bought a very cool, Etruscan style silver ring. You brought back lots of memories for me!!
Hi Lynne,
Thanks for sharing your experience! Yes, when I was in the village I realized that I could have stayed longer. Especially, when I learned about those activities and seen the light up scenes, I knew that I had been missing a lot.
Looks like a super cute day trip like little town! Would love to visit it for a day during an Italy road trip!
So gorgeous! I love the view of Tuscany from the entrance of Monteriggioni, its gorgeous!
As the lover of everything Medieval I like this, the preservation is quite good plus it a beautiful town all round
LOVE the idea of the medieval festival! Will check it out when I’m back in Europe! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! I need to visit this place soon!
Great photos, it looked like a nice day out! I really wish to go to Tuscany!
I had no idea about this town! Your pictures speak for itself how splendid Monteriggioni is!
This is such a beautiful and serene town.loved reading about it and seeing those pretty pictures
I enjoyed your beautiful pictures. I have never been there, but it seems like a great place to visit.
I love reading people’s travel stories. Each one I read is so unique and special. You photos are amazing too!
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This is one of the most beautiful towns I have seen!
This place is stunning wow!!! What an amazing charming little town, a perfect vacation destination for me. Thanks a lot for the post.
It looks absolutely stunning. I would love to go here. I might book a tour this summer with my family.
Your post makes me wanna go there as soon as possible. haha! will add this on my bucket list. – Nicole (www.nicolesanmiguel.com)
It’s really beautiful and sure a lovely place to visit. Adding this to my travel list.
The castle looks great, I love these type of places, quiet and charming little towns 🙂
What beautiful country! Has a storybook feel to it!