Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni features on the Gingerguide audio walk through San Gimignano & Volterra. Give it roughly ~90 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type village
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- San Gimignano & Volterra San Gimignano & Volterra guide
About Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni, a tiny village enclosed by a ring of medieval walls and about fourteen towers on a hilltop near Siena, built by Siena as a frontier fortress and named by Dante.
Siena began the fortress in 1213 to guard its border with Florence and the road along the valley. The walls, about 570 metres around, follow the shape of the hill and have only two gates. In the Inferno, Dante compared the giants standing around a pit to the towers that crown Monteriggioni.
The village and its square are free to walk. A short stretch of the wall walk and a small museum of arms share a ticket; part of the walk may be closed, and hours are shorter in late autumn. Parking is outside the walls.
Did you know? The Republic of Siena began the walled fortress of Monteriggioni in 1213 as a frontier castle facing its great rival, the city of Florence.
How long is a visit to Monteriggioni?
Set aside roughly ~90 min for Monteriggioni. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Monteriggioni worth your time?
Monteriggioni is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for San Gimignano & Volterra, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in San Gimignano & Volterra
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Monteriggioni and read more:
San Gimignano & Volterra guide →
Day 1 of the San Gimignano & Volterra in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Monteriggioni
Preview the San Gimignano & Volterra tour free in the Gingerguide app.