Monteriggioni: A Journey Through the Village of Fourteen Towers
There are only a handful of places in Tuscany that have fascinated me since I was a child, and Monteriggioni has always been one of them. You might wonder why. The answer lies in its remarkable history and the extraordinary way it has remained almost unchanged for more than eight centuries.
From its imposing defensive walls to its fourteen iconic towers, Monteriggioni is, in
my opinion, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in all of Italy.
Although many travellers visit it as a quick stop between Florence and Siena, I believe the village deserves far more than that. Its compact size, fascinating history and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to slow down, enjoy an aperitivo in the main square or have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Monteriggioni was founded by the Republic of Siena between 1213 and 1219 as a defensive fortress built to protect its northern border from Florence. Positioned along the historic Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important medieval pilgrimage
routes, it quickly became a strategic military outpost.
What makes this destination so special today is how much of that original fortress
has survived. The impressive defensive walls, almost 600 metres long, still encircle the village, while the fourteen towers that once watched over the surrounding countryside remain almost entirely intact. It’s no surprise that even the poet Dante Alighieri compared these towers to the giants surrounding the Inferno in the Divine Comedy
Your visit begins at Porta Romea, the main entrance to the village. From there, a short walk leads to the central square, where you’ll find the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Just a few steps away, you can walk along both the northern and southern sections of the historic walls (Access to the sections of the walls requires an admission ticket) , enjoying beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and a closer look at the fourteen towers that have watched over the village for centuries.
The ticket also includes entry to Monteriggioni in Arme, a small museum that recreates the life of a medieval garrison through armour, weapons and historical reconstructions, as well as admission to the MaM – Monteriggioni Archaeological Museum, located in the nearby hamlet of Abbadia Isola. (around 8 minutes by car).
Although the village can easily be explored in a couple of hours, I always recommend taking your time. Explore the local shops, stop for an aperitivo or lunch in the main square, and simply enjoy the moment.
If your trip takes place in early July, you may have the opportunity to experience Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona, the village’s most important annual event and one
of Tuscany’s best-known medieval festivals
For a few days, Monteriggioni steps back in time. The streets fill with musicians,
artisans, knights, archers and performers, while historical reenactments, traditional crafts and medieval entertainment transform the entire village into a unique open-air setting. If you’re planning your itinerary around that period, it’s an event well worth considering.
Thank you for reading!
Good to Know
🚘Getting There:: Getting There: I always recommend visiting Monteriggioni by car, rental car or motorbike, especially if you’re planning to explore more of Tuscany. The village is easily accessible from the Florence–Siena Highway (RA3) by taking the Monteriggioni exit
Alternatively, you can travel by Taxi, NCC (Private Driver Service) or bus, with services operated by Autolinee Toscane. If you’re travelling by bus, I recommend checking the latest timetables on the official website https://www.at-bus.it/en or through the AT Bus app by selecting your departure and arrival points, as not all services stop in Monteriggioni.
● 130 – Siena • Colle Val d’Elsa • Poggibonsi • San Gimignano
● 131 – Siena • Colle Val d’Elsa • Poggibonsi • Florence
Closest bus stops::
● Monteriggioni Scuole (closest stop), Via Cassia Nord 142
● Colonna di Monteriggioni (main stop)approximately 500 metres from the
village entrance.
Buying your ticket::
My recommendation is to pay contactless on board or purchase an extra-urban
ticket through the AT Bus app.
Please note: if you’re travelling on mixed extra-urban and fast services, remember to tap when boarding and tap again when getting off.
🅿Parking: There are two main paid car parks and a small free parking area located just outside the village walls.
● Castello Car Park (cars only) – approximately 50 metres from the village
entrance, parking fees apply daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
1 April – 31 October €3,00 first hour | €5,00 – 24 hours (including the first hour)
1 November – 31 March €2,50 first hour | €4,00 – 24 hours (including the first hour)
● Cipressino Car Park – approximately 250 metres from the village. It offers
parking for cars, 5 camper van spaces and 3 coach spaces*. Parking fees apply
daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
1 April – 31 October €2,50 first hour | €3,50 – 24 ore (including first hour)
1 November – 31 March €2,00 hour | €3,00 – 24 hours (including first hour)
Please note: Camper van parking is not permitted between midnight and 9:00 am. *Coach parking rates are different
● Free Parking-A small area with free parking spaces is located just in front of
the entrance to Cipressino Car Park. Spaces are limited.
🎫Walk Along the Walls
LAccess to both sections of the walls requires an admission ticket.
The ticket also includes entry to Monteriggioni in Arme and the MaM – Monteriggioni Archaeological Museum, located in Abbadia Isola (around an
8-minute drive from Monteriggioni).
Admission prices::
● Adults: €5,00
● Children under 8 years old: Free
● Visitors aged 65 and over:€3,50
● Family tickets and additional ticket options are also available.
Opening hours:: Daily, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:45 e 14:00–18:45.
Please note: opening hours may vary throughout the year.
💻Official Website: https://www.monteriggioniturismo.it/it/
● 130 – Siena • Colle Val d’Elsa • Poggibonsi • San Gimignano
● 131 – Siena • Colle Val d’Elsa • Poggibonsi • Florence
Closest bus stops::
● Monteriggioni Scuole (closest stop), Via Cassia Nord 142
● Colonna di Monteriggioni (main stop)approximately 500 metres from the village entrance.
Buying your ticket:: My recommendation is to pay contactless on board or purchase an extra-urban ticket through the AT Bus app. Please note: if you’re travelling on mixed extra-urban and fast services, remember to tap when boarding and tap again when getting off.
🅿Parking: There are two main paid car parks and a small free parking area located just outside the village walls.
● Castello Car Park (cars only) – approximately 50 metres from the village entrance, parking fees apply daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
1 April – 31 October €3,00 first hour | €5,00 – 24 hours (including the first hour)
1 November – 31 March €2,50 first hour | €4,00 – 24 hours (including the first hour)
● Cipressino Car Park – approximately 250 metres from the village. It offers parking for cars, 5 camper van spaces and 3 coach spaces*. Parking fees apply daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
1 April – 31 October €2,50 first hour | €3,50 – 24 ore (including first hour)
1 November – 31 March €2,00 hour | €3,00 – 24 hours (including first hour)
Please note: Camper van parking is not permitted between midnight and 9:00 am. *Coach parking rates are different
● Free Parking-A small area with free parking spaces is located just in front of the entrance to Cipressino Car Park. Spaces are limited.
🎫Walk Along the Walls
LAccess to both sections of the walls requires an admission ticket. The ticket also includes entry to Monteriggioni in Arme and the MaM – Monteriggioni Archaeological Museum, located in Abbadia Isola (around an 8-minute drive from Monteriggioni).
Admission prices::
● Adults: €5,00
● Children under 8 years old: Free
● Visitors aged 65 and over:€3,50
● Family tickets and additional ticket options are also available.
Opening hours:: Daily, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:45 e 14:00–18:45.
Please note: opening hours may vary throughout the year.
💻Official Website: https://www.monteriggioniturismo.it/it/