Monteriggioni
Medieval gateway along the Via Francigena.
Elegant, regal and reminiscent of a crown as Dante defined it, Monteriggioni and its iconic town walls remains today a unique place among the Tuscan medieval towns, mainly because of the condition of its preserved 13th century buildings.
A reminder of medieval times that inspires our imagination today, this town has often been a location for films and videogames (Assassin’s Creed) in addition to annual historical commemorations.
Monteriggioni was built for defensive purposes during the extended series of medieval battles between Siena and Florence and has been the epicentre of the historical moment marking the end of the “comuni” system of administering the region in Italy.
Situated on a gentle hill that dominates the countryside below, the town is literally on the Via Francigena pathway and this is the reason why the surrounding lands are characterised by parish churches, big houses and small towns to be discovered on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Among these, the Abbazia di Badia Isola stands out.
INFO
Tourist offices
P.za Dante Alighieri, 23
53035 Monteriggioni
tel e fax: +39 0577 304834.
info@monteriggioniturismo.it
www.monteriggioniturismo.it
"for just as / Monteriggion is crowned of towers, […]” (Dante, Inf., XXXI, vv. 40-44)."
The 14 stone towers “embrace” the peak of the hill of Monteriggioni with such a strong impact that Dante even quoted them in a simile with the Giants of Hell.
The walls of Monteriggioni, which are 570m long, have preserved most of its 13th century structures. It is an absolutely unique place among the other medieval towns in Tuscany.
Also not to be missed is the Abbadia Isola, founded by Ava, a noblewoman from Staggia. The name Abbadia Isola (Isle) tells us what the monastery looked like at the time: surrounded by water.
Located in a strategic position compared to the Via Francigena, the Abbey was a shelter which hosted travellers on their way to Rome. It has been restored and nowadays hosts a hostel and conference rooms, civil marriages and events.
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