If I would have to indicate the top ten of my favorite places on Earth, I would have difficulties to come up with the selection, but Monteriggioni would be one of them.
This walled town, just Nord than Siena, always impressed me, and when I really want to impress somebody, even who is difficult to impress, I always get a "wow" entering through the gate of Monteriggioni.
Monteriggioni has been build in 1213 and for centuries it has been the defensive outpost of the Republic of Siena against the Republic of Florence. It has been won by Florence just in the year 1554 due to an act of betrayal of the captain of the garrison stationed in Monteriggioni, in this way ending the Siena Republic in 1555.
Monteriggioni has been build in 1213 and for centuries it has been the defensive outpost of the Republic of Siena against the Republic of Florence. It has been won by Florence just in the year 1554 due to an act of betrayal of the captain of the garrison stationed in Monteriggioni, in this way ending the Siena Republic in 1555.
On July 6-7-8 and 13-14-15 this year in Monteriggioni will be held the the annual medieval festival with historical reenactment of the battle.
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| An instant of the fight |
During the festival all the town is invaded by people in historical dresses of XVI century, old art and craft shops and exibitions will be all over the place, and usually in the afternoon the battle will take place, outside the town and, after the brake in, in side the walls.
Once the night takes over, everibody will enjoy medieval and modern food, drinks and dance trough the night.
Besides the festival, that I recommend to attend if you are visiting during these times, visiting Monteriggioni as you are approaching Siena from North (Florence) is a must: you will find it on the right side of the "raccordo" Firenze-Siena, just two exits before Siena.
Just after the exit from the raccordo, on the right side you will pass "Il bar dell'orso", a great place to have a proper lunch or a quick "merenda", maybe a bit crowded and "dense" at times, but really worth the stop.
If instead you are looking for a more ambient lunch or a classy dinner, look for the "Piccolo Castello" restaurant, inside the walls on the right side, just after the church: in summer they hav a nice internal garden or in cold times the internal halls feature a warm fireplace.
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