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Monteriggioni is one of the best-preserved hilltop villages in Italy, dating from the 13th century. Its beautiful Piazza is dominated by ancient stone houses and a fine church. A visit to this wonderfully atmospheric place is a 'must'.

Monteriggioni, mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy, is a fortified village, probably one of the best preserved in the whole of Italy. Imposingly sited on a hill overlooking the Elsa valley, its encircling walls, dating from the 13th century and 10 metres high, are virtually intact, interspersed at intervals by fourteen towers that can be seen from a considerable distance.
The village lies on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome, 14 kms north-west of Siena. It was built in the turbulent days of wars between the Tuscan city-states and served successfully as a border outpost for the city of Siena.
It survived several battles in the thirteenth century, but was less successful in peace-time - until as late as the 1960's it was inhabited by just a few animal farmers. Today the wonderfully preserved walls, gates and towers enclose a small community dedicated to tourism, though it does still welcome modern pilgrims.

A main street crosses the village from one gate to the other, and a few houses and an attractive Romanesque church face on to the piazza, while other houses surround a small public garden. The village is surrounded by vineyards and produces a very pleasant wine - best drunk, perhaps, in the main square in the early evening, when the visitors have left and the sunset light gilds the historic stones.
In mid-July every year a spectacular festival is held, called the Festa Medievale. Well-worth attending for its vivid costumes, shows and displays and authentic music.