monteriggioni
DAY 4
After an early breakfast we head off to Monteriggioni. We walk past Badia a Conèo, a Lombard abbey which once belonged to the Vallombrosan monks, and Bagni delle Caldane, a thermal centre which dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period.
The itinerary continues along a tree-lined road as far as the fortified village of Strove, built in 994. We go past Pietraio Castle and reach Abbadia a Isola, where time seems to have stopped 1,000 years ago, when Archbishop Sigeric stopped there. Here we can see an important monastery built in the 10th century.
Later we can visit the Romanesque Abbey of Saint Salvatore all’Isola, which dates back to 1001. For several centuries, this was a very important stop for pilgrims travelling to Rome.
Leaving Abbadia a Isola behind us, we have a pleasant stroll along the panoramic route of the Via Francigena between this small hamlet and Monteriggioni and enjoy the Tuscan countryside dotted with orchards, olive groves and vineyards.
We stop in Monteriggioni, which is a fascinating town located on a top of a hill, in the province of Siena. It is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy and boasts magnificent exterior walls featuring fourteen rectangular towers overlooking the Via Francigena.
After passing through the majestic Porta Romea, also known as Porta Franca, facing Florence to the north, or Porta San Giovanni, we head off to Piazza Roma, the heart of the castle, built in the 13th century by the Republic of Siena for defensive purposes. The town rose on Monte Ala from which the Elsa Valley and the Via Francigena could be controlled easily.
In the square you can admire the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque-Gothic church dating back to the 13th century. Its façade features a fine doorway with a stone arch, with a round window above.
Monteriggioni in Arme is worth a visit. The museum houses reproductions of medieval and Renaissance weapons and armours.
Here we can have fun wearing an ancient knight’s armour on horseback and learn about the history of Monteriggioni.
Don’t miss the experience of walking along the top of the castle walls from which we can enjoy breath-taking views of the amazing countryside of the Chianti and Elsa Valleys. We suggest you have a stroll along the road running outside the outer walls, looking for ancient inscriptions, walled-up entrances and the arrow-slits.
We have lunch in the restaurant Antico Travaglio, where you can enjoy typical Tuscan dishes such as” salami”, homemade pasta and bread and Florentine steak served with a fine selection of Tuscan wines. In the afternoon we can sit in a café, buy local wine in the picturesque wine shops or visit the small shops of the town.
Monteriggioni is mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the “Inferno” in his Divine Commedy and one of his quotes is "Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona"("Monteriggioni is Crowned by Towers").
This quote gives the name to a medieval festival, which is celebrated here in July every year.
Here we can find craftsmen, people wearing medieval costumes, knights, musicians, archers and more. It is a great atmosphere and the perfect chance to go back to the Middle Ages!
The beauty of this place has attracted many Hollywood's film directors and the town was the setting for the film "The Gladiator".
Dinner in the pizzeria, Il Feudo, in piazza Roma.
Overnight stay at Casa per Ferie Santa Maria Assunta, a hostel for pilgrims located inside the walls.