Monteriggioni is a picturesque medieval village completely encircled from circular walls with 14 towers, situated on a low hill, approximately 10 km from Siena.

Until 11th century, Monteriggioni was a station of exchange along the via Francigena. Siena transformed Monteriggioni in an imposing fortress in order protect its northern border during the wars against Florence. Its position allowed the control of the Staggia and Elsa rivers in the direction of Florence. Its walls were constructed in the years 1213-1219 (as stated in the stone inscription on the Porta Romea) and measures 570 meters of length, 20 meters of height and has 14 square towers (more one inner tower) and two entrance gates (Porta Romea or Franca towards Siena and Porta di San Giovanni or Fiorentina towards Florence).

Because of its position, Monteriggioni often saw under its walls fights between sienesi and florentines troops. As for example in 1244 and in 1254. In 1269 after the battle of Colle, the Sienesi in escape took refuge in Monteriggioni that was besieged in vain from the Florentines. Beginning from year 1380, the inhabitants of Monteriggioni, were equal to the sienesi citizens. In 1383 a group of Sienesi exiled conquered it, with a deceit, but soon they were forced to surrender from the sienesi. In 1526 the Florentines besieged Monteriggioni but they did not succeed to storm the fortress. Monteriggioni at last was conquered, in 1554, from the troops of Cosimo I de Medici, only as a result of the betrayal of the captain of the castle.

Inside of the town walls is the interesting Romanesque-gothic style Parish Church. The whole of the town-walls of this town constitutes an excellent example of fortification of the medieval period, arrived nearly intact until our days, this splendid ancient village recalls every passed summer its glory. In occasion of the medieval festivity, that it's kept in the month of July, the inhabitants, wear age dresses, every sign of modernity is banished publicly, the legal currency becomes the “Scudo di Monteriggioni”.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly market in Castellina Scalo: thursdays
Piazza della Pace 8.00-13.00

Tourist Information Offices - Monteriggioni
Ufficio Informazioni Pro Loco
Piazza Roma - Castello di Monteriggioni
tel. e fax +39 0577 304834

SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION IN MONTERIGGIONI:

The walls of Monteriggioni, Siena

The Parish Church, Monteriggioni, Siena