Monteriggioni

"..però che, come su la cerchia tonda
Montereggion di torri si corona,
così la proda che ‘l pozzo circonda

torreggiavan di mezza la persona
li orribili giganti, cui minaccia
Giove del cielo ancora quando tuona”

Those who travel the Via Francigena towards Rome might experience a special sight, on top of a hill, almost looking like a mirage: Monteriggioni and its iconic walls, equipped with 14 imposing towers, stands proud of its past and its present, rich in many reasons and opportunities to taste the typical essence. What once was Siena's outpost to defend against Florentine incursions remains today a mandatory stop for travelers along the Via Francigena. Celebrated by Dante in the Divine Comedy, the castle of Monteriggioni and the village surrounding it is a unique place, serving as a stage for historical reenactments and cinematic settings. It proudly bears the prestigious Orange Flag quality mark of the Touring Club and is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of fortresses, parish churches, villas, farms, and welcoming small villages, among which a true haven for pilgrims stands out, the monumental complex of Abbadia a Isola. 

In Monteriggioni, the products of the fields and woods mark the quality and authenticity that only an ancient tradition can provide: wine, oil, cheese, honey and mushrooms are all waiting to be discovered and savored. 

Monteriggioni means above all "Via Francigena," and it is hard not to walk at least a section of it toward San Gimignano or Siena, or even detour onto the route of the "Via Romea Sanese." 

For road bike enthusiasts, Monteriggioni offers access to three major routes of the Grand Tour: the "Grand Tour Valdelsa-Valdicecina", the "Grand Tour Vernaccia" and the "Grand Tour della Val di Merse." The area is also central to itineraries such as those starting from Casole, like "Verso l’Avamposto Senese" and the "Casole-Pievescola cycle tour," or those designed from Colle di Val d’Elsa, such as "Andar per Pievi" and "Le acque della Valdelsa tra misteri e realtà." For Chianti lovers, there’s a route through woods and vineyards with a very evocative name: "Il Canto del Gallo tour".