This medieval hilltop fortress from 1214 has 14 square towers and intact stone walls encircling its small piazza, church, and stone buildings.
Monteriggioni rises above the Tuscan hills, its medieval silhouette marked by fourteen towers along a circular 13th-century wall. Walk the ancient ramparts for sweeping views of cypress-dotted valleys, step into the Romanesque church in Piazza Roma, or try on a knight's armor at the interactive military museum. Each July, the streets transform into a living medieval town where craftspeople work in period costume and merchants trade with replica medieval coins.
Walking the Medieval Walls
The 570-meter circular wall contains fourteen towers and two gates - Porta Fiorentina facing Florence and Porta Romana facing Rome. You can walk along sections of the wall for €4, entering through two access points. From the elevated pathway, look out across red-tiled roofs inside the village and rolling hills beyond. The walls welcome visitors daily from 9:00 AM to sunset, with last entry one hour before closing.
Exploring Piazza Roma
Piazza Roma pulses at Monteriggioni's center. The 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta dominates the square, its travertine and pietra serena limestone walls rising to a grand portal with an archivolt. This open plaza served as a vegetable garden during medieval times, helping sustain the population during sieges. Today, local cafes spill onto the square, setting up tables outdoors from spring through autumn.
Monteriggioni in Arme Museum
Step into medieval warfare at the Armor Museum, where you can examine and handle reproductions of 13th to 15th-century military equipment. Pick up a crossbow, inspect chainmail suits, and study siege tower models. Each exhibition room contains detailed diagrams explaining the manufacturing methods of weapons and armor used by foot soldiers and mounted knights. Try on helmets and hold sword replicas to experience the weight of medieval combat gear.
July Medieval Festival
The first two weeks of July bring history to life in Monteriggioni's streets. Watch weapons demonstrations, listen to medieval musicians, and learn from craftspeople in traditional workshops. Exchange your euros for "Scudi di Monteriggioni" to buy food and crafts from period-dressed vendors. The festival runs from 7:00 PM until midnight, centering around Piazza Roma.
Getting There and Parking
Monteriggioni lies 20 km from Siena and 60 km from Florence. The main parking area, 150 meters from Porta Romana, holds 200 cars. Two additional lots near Porta Fiorentina accommodate 50 vehicles each. All lots use pay-and-display machines that accept coins and cards. During summer weekends and festival periods, arrive before 10:00 AM to find parking easily.
