Monteriggioni: A fortified village with a ring of walls near Siena
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Monteriggioni is arguably the most famous fortified village in Tuscany: An almost circular, roughly 570-meter-long ring of walls with 14 towers encircles a tiny medieval village on a hilltop in the province of Siena . The Republic of Siena commissioned the fortress in 1213 as a border post against Florence. Today, you can walk right through the village in just a few minutes, stroll along a section of the city walls, and easily combine Monteriggioni with visits to Siena, Colle di Val d'Elsa, or San Gimignano.
Monteriggioni at a glance
- Location: approximately 22 km northwest of Siena, a good 60 km south of Florence
- Wall ring: Built 1213–1219, approximately 570 m long, 14 towers, two city gates
- Walkway on the wall: Combined ticket €5, concession €3,50 (as of 2026), including “Monteriggioni in Arme” and the Archaeological Museum in Abbadia Isola
- Parking: Paid parking spaces directly in front of the wall, campervan parking area “La Posta” about 400 m away
- Medieval Festival: “Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona”, traditionally in July
- Via Francigena: Stage stop on the pilgrimage route, about 20 km on foot to Siena
History: Siena's border fortress against Florence
Siena and Florence were bitter rivals for centuries. To secure its northern border, the Republic of Siena founded a purely defensive structure on the hill above the ancient Via Cassia – Monteriggioni was never a naturally developed town, but a fortress from the very beginning.
Construction of the wall 1213–1219
The ring wall was built between 1213 and 1219. Following the contour of the hilltop, the wall is approximately 570 meters long and was fortified with 14 towers at regular intervals. Some towers were later shortened to the height of the wall – however, the overall appearance of the "wall crown" has been preserved to this day. The wall survived numerous sieges.
The surrender without a fight in 1554
Monteriggioni was never conquered by storm: During the Sienese War, Commander Giovannino Zeti surrendered the fortress without a fight to the Florentine army in April 1554, which then besieged the hilltop. A year later, Siena fell, and in 1559 the Republic finally surrendered in Montalcino, with the entire Sienese territory passing to Florence. Monteriggioni thus lost its military significance – one reason why the town has remained so unchanged.
Dante and “Monteriggion di torri si corona”
Berühmt wurde Monteriggioni auch durch Dante Alighieri. Im 31. Gesang des „Inferno“ vergleicht er die Riesen, die rings um den tiefsten Abgrund der Hölle stehen, mit den Türmen, die den runden Mauerring von Monteriggioni krönen. Aus diesem Vers stammt der Name des Mittelalterfests. Zum 700. Todestag Dantes hat die Gemeinde 2021 den Hauptplatz, die frühere Piazza Roma, in Piazza Dante Alighieri umbenannt.
Sights in Monteriggioni
Within the walls, Monteriggioni essentially consists of a main street between two gates, the large square, and several alleyways lined with gardens. One to two hours are sufficient for exploring the town itself; including the ramparts and Abbadia Isola, this extends to half a day.
Wall ring, gates and towers
The main road connects the two city gates: the Porta Franca (also Porta Romea) towards Siena and the Porta San Giovanni (also Porta Fiorentina) towards Florence and the Elsa Valley. The ring of walls is most impressive from the outside – for example, from the approach from the valley or from the field paths around the hill.
Walkway on the wall and “Monteriggioni in arms”
From the walkways (camminamenti) on the wall, you can look out over the village and far into the countryside towards Chianti and Val d'Elsa. The same ticket also includes the "Monteriggioni in Arms" educational trail in the piazza, featuring replicas of medieval weapons and armor, models of siege techniques, and a room dedicated to the town's history ; visitors can even try on some of the armor. The ticket also grants admission to the Archaeological Museum in Abbadia Isola.
| Combined ticket Wehrgang | Price (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| regular price | 5,00 € |
| Reduced price (e.g., for those aged 65 and over, pilgrims with pilgrim's passport, groups of 15 or more) | 3,50 € |
| Family ticket: 2 parents + 1 child (8–17 years) | 13,50 € |
| Family ticket: 2 parents + 2 or 3 children (8–17 years) | 15,00 € |
Important: The rampart walkways have been partially or completely closed at times in recent years due to renovation work; according to the 2026 price list, the southern section is only partially accessible. Opening times vary depending on the season. Therefore, please inquire at the tourist office at Piazza Dante Alighieri 23 (Tel. +39 0577 304834) before your visit.
Piazza Dante Alighieri and Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The large square is the heart of the village. The Romanesque church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its simple facade, stands on the square and is open daily. Around the square are the tourist office, "Monteriggioni in Arme," bars, restaurants, and shops selling regional products.
Abbadia Isola
Wenige Kilometer entfernt liegt der kleine Ort Abbadia Isola, eine der ältesten Siedlungen der Gegend. Die Abtei wurde 1001 von der Gräfin Ava dei Lambardi gegründet; der Name erinnert an das Sumpfland, das das Kloster früher wie eine Insel umgab. Die romanische Kirche Santi Salvatore e Cirino stammt aus der Mitte des 12. Jahrhunderts; sie hat drei Schiffe, drei Apsiden und eine Fassade aus Travertin. Im ehemaligen Klosterkomplex zeigt das Archäologische Museum (MaM) Funde aus der Umgebung. Die Kirche ist laut Tourismusbüro vom 11. März bis zum ersten Sonntag im November täglich 9.30–12.30 und 15–18 Uhr geöffnet.
Stage town of the Via Francigena
Schon Ende des 10. Jahrhunderts machte Erzbischof Sigerich von Canterbury auf seiner Reise nach Rom in Abbadia Isola Station – seine Reisenotizen gelten als wichtigste Quelle für den Verlauf der Via Francigena. Heute führen zwei beliebte Etappen durch Monteriggioni: von San Gimignano nach Monteriggioni und weiter über rund 20 Kilometer bis zur Piazza del Campo in Siena. Pilger mit Pilgerausweis erhalten beim Wehrgang-Ticket den ermäßigten Preis.
Practical tips for your visit
Arrival and distances
Monteriggioni is located directly on the Florence-Siena highway (Monteriggioni exit). You park in front of the wall and walk the last few meters through one of the city gates.
| From Monteriggioni to | Route | Travel time approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Colle di Val d'Elsa | 12 km | 15–20 min. |
| Siena (central) | 22 km | 30 Min |
| Gender towers | 29 km | 35–40 min. |
| Volterra | 39 km | 50 Min |
| Florence (central area) | 62 km | 1–60km |
Parking
- Castello parking lot: approximately 50 meters in front of the wall, with public (also accessible) toilets
- Parkplatz Cipressino: rund 250 m vom Ort entfernt; für Wohnmobile ist das Parken hier nachts von 24 bis 9 Uhr nicht erlaubt
- Both parking lots are subject to a fee daily from 8 a.m. to 20 p.m.
Parking lots fill up quickly on weekends, public holidays, and during the medieval festival. Therefore, try to arrive as early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible.
By camper van
Für Wohnmobile gibt es die Area Camper „La Posta“ an der Via Cassia Nord 142, rund 400 m von der Stadtmauer entfernt. Sie ist rund um die Uhr über eine Schranke zugänglich, Reservierungen sind nicht möglich.
| Area Camper “La Posta” | Data (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| plots | 29 + 1 accessible space |
| Parking 12 hrs / 24 hrs | 8 € / 16 € |
| Water supply and wastewater disposal | 4 € |
| Shower | €1 (3,5 min.) |
| Equipment | Strom 220 V, WC, Duschen, Beleuchtung |
You can find more campsites in the region in our overview of motorhome pitches in Tuscany.
Our tip: Monteriggioni in the evening
In July 2014, we visited Monteriggioni in our campervan. We went in the evening, after most of the day-trippers had left. The next morning, we stood before the city walls again. Anyone staying nearby shouldn't miss these peaceful hours.
Medieval festival “Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona”
For over 30 years, Monteriggioni has transformed into a medieval village once a year, complete with market stalls, jugglers and street performers, children's areas, opportunities to dress up, and a banquet. The festival traditionally takes place in July ; the organizers publish the exact dates and ticket prices at monteriggionimedievale.com. For more festivals in the region, see Festivals and Processions in Tuscany.
Food and accommodation
The piazza and main street are lined with bars, restaurants, and wine bars serving Sienese cuisine – including pici (thick, hand-rolled pasta), local sausages and pecorino cheese, and wines from nearby Chianti. Because the town is so small, seating within the walls is limited; many accommodations are located in the surrounding area, such as agriturismos or holiday apartments. Compare hotels and holiday apartments at Booking.com: Accommodations in Monteriggioni.
Find accommodation in Monteriggioni
Connect Monteriggioni with Siena, Colle and San Gimignano
Due to its central location, Monteriggioni fits well into a tour through the middle of Tuscany:
- Siena (approx. 22 km): Piazza del Campo, Cathedral and Palio – all within our Siena city tour.
- Colle di Val d'Elsa (approx. 12 km): Crystal city with a medieval upper town and the Sentierelsa hiking trail along the turquoise river – more information at Colle di Val d'Elsa.
- San Gimignano (approx. 29 km): the city of the family towers, see San Gimignano city tour.
- Volterra (approx. 39 km): Etruscan city on the hill, see Volterra.
- Chianti: Wineries and scenic roads begin just to the north, more information at Chianti in the heart of Tuscany.
Frequently asked questions about Monteriggioni
How much does the walk along the wall of Monteriggioni cost?
The combined ticket for the rampart walk, the Monteriggioni in Arme educational trail, and the Archaeological Museum in Abbadia Isola costs €5, or €3,50 for concessions. Family tickets are available for €13,50 or €15 (as of 2026). Parts of the rampart walk may be closed due to construction work.
How many towers does Monteriggioni have?
The approximately 570-meter-long ring wall was built between 1213 and 1219 and features 14 towers. Some of these were later shortened to the height of the wall.
Where to park in Monteriggioni?
The Castello (approx. 50 m) and Cipressino (approx. 250 m) parking lots are located directly in front of the wall. Both are subject to a fee daily from 8 am to 20 pm.
Is there a motorhome parking area in Monteriggioni?
Yes, the Area Camper La Posta at Via Cassia Nord 142, about 400 m from the wall. It has 29 pitches with electricity, toilets and showers; 12 hours cost €8, 24 hours €16 (as of 2026).
When is the medieval festival in Monteriggioni?
The Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona festival traditionally takes place in July. The exact dates are published by the organizer at monteriggionimedievale.com.
How far is Monteriggioni from Siena?
By car it's about 22 km to the center of Siena. On foot, along the Via Francigena it's about 20 km to the Piazza del Campo.
