Monteriggioni Medieval Fortress in Tuscany

Things to Do in Monteriggioni

Piazzale Roma

Piazzale Roma, in the heart of Monteriggioni, is a quaint square surrounded by historic buildings, charming cafes, and stores. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin), which occupies a corner of the square, was built in the 13th century.

Medieval Walls and Towers

Monteriggioni is best known for its circular ramparts, immortalized by Dante Alighieri in his Divine Comedy, and its 14 well-preserved towers. Part of the ramparts can be climbed for a panoramic view of the surrounding Tuscan hills. The entrance fee for the ramparts walk is 4 euros and includes admission to two sections of the ramparts.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the ramparts in a golden color, enhancing the magical atmosphere of this medieval town.

Monteriggioni Arms Museum

The Monteriggioni Arms Museum, located at Piazza Dante Alighieri 23, houses life-size replicas of medieval armor and weapons. The museum offers visitors insight into the military history of the town and its role as a fortress defending Siena.

Plan Your Visit

Best Season

Monteriggioni can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is in spring or fall when the weather is mild and the countryside is in full bloom. July is also a great time as the town celebrates its history with reenactments, music, and food during the Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona, a medieval festival.

Length of Stay

Monteriggioni is a small town that can be fully explored in half a day. A leisurely walk along the city walls, a visit to the museum, and a meal in Piazzale Roma will probably take less than three hours. But if you stay longer, you can soak up the quiet atmosphere, especially in the evening after most day-trippers have left.

Where to Stay in Monteriggioni

For those who wish to spend the night within Monteriggioni’s medieval charm, the town offers several lodging options:

• Hotel Monteriggioni: A boutique hotel in a historic building with beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.
• Agriturismo Antico Borgo Poggiarello: A rustic farm stay just a short drive from town, offering traditional Tuscan hospitality.

Points of Interest Not to be Missed

Sunset over the Tuscan Hills

From the walls of Monteriggioni, you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the rolling Tuscan hills.

Tuscan Cuisine

Monteriggioni has several restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine. At Ristorante Il Feudo, try the Pici Cacio e Pepe, a traditional pasta dish served with pecorino cheese and black pepper.

Tips for Tourists

• Timing: Monteriggioni can be crowded with day-trippers, especially in summer. Visit early in the morning or stay overnight for a peaceful experience.
• Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets and walls require good footwear.
• Photography: Don’t miss capturing the Tuscan countryside from the ramparts.
• Festivals: Plan your trip in July to experience the Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona, the famous medieval festival.

Getting to Monteriggioni

By Car

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Monteriggioni is by car. The town is located 14 km northwest of Siena, about a 25-minute drive via Raccordo Autostradale Firenze-Siena. From Florence (Firenze), it’s a 1-hour drive (60 km). Cars are not allowed in the historic district, so use the paid parking lot outside the city walls.

By Public Transportation

By bus, it takes about 40 minutes from Siena. If taking a train, you’ll need a short cab ride from the Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni station. From Florence, both buses and trains are available, though the journey takes about 2 hours with a change at Poggibonsi.

Monteriggioni Walls and Museum: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary by season).

Ticket Prices:

• Walk along the walls and visit the museum: 4 euros per person.
• Museum only: €2.50 per person.
• Free admission for children under 12 years old.