Holiday apartment in Monteriggioni: fortress, trails and Chianti

Monteriggioni combines a clearly recognizable history of fortification with trails, museums and the Tuscan landscape. The Castello di Monteriggioni was founded in the second decade of the 13th century by the Republic of Siena to defend the border against the rival city of Florence. On the hilltop, the walls extend for approximately 570 metres; the fortifications include 14 imposing towers. Choosing a holiday apartment in Monteriggioni is therefore well suited to a holiday destination whose central themes are the fortress, the borgo and its surroundings.

Historic places to discover

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta is located on the borgo's main square. It was built in the 13th century and has an original 13th-century façade. The Pieve also preserves a bell dating from 1299. For you, this place combines a central square with precisely dated architectural and religious history.

From the Camminamenti sulle Mura, you can see both the inside and outside of the borgo; the southern side looks out over Chianti. The educational tour “Monteriggioni in arme” comprises four rooms, each dedicated to a period in the history of the fortress. It displays true-to-original replicas of medieval and Renaissance weapons and armour, as well as models of historical siege weapons and techniques. Visitors can handle and put on some of the weapons and pieces of armour.

Even beyond the walls, the past remains tangible. The MaM – Museo Archeologico di Monteriggioni is located in the monumental complex of Abbadia Isola, a former monastery dating from 1001, a few kilometres from Monteriggioni. The museum presents the history of the Monteriggioni area from the Middle Ages back to prehistoric times.

Montagnola Senese and trails

The Montagnola Senese is classified both as a Site of Community Importance (S.I.C.) and as a Site of Regional Interest (S.I.R.). It features coppice woodland with holm oak (Quercus ilex), downy oak and maple, as well as chestnut stands at higher elevations, and has numerous natural caves. The Monteriggioni area offers numerous historical and naturalistic routes for outdoor activities, including trails for hiking and cycling, as well as the Via Francigena.

For cyclists, a cycle path runs from Castellina Scalo to the Colonna di Monteriggioni, a well-known stopping point at the foot of the Castello di Monteriggioni. The nearest railway station is in Castellina Scalo, a few kilometres from Monteriggioni, on the Empoli–Siena railway line. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether culture, nature trails, cycling or railway access should be the priority.

Wine, products and trip planning

In Monteriggioni, there are wineries where Chianti Classico DOCG and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG can be tasted. Typical products of the area include saffron, cheese, honey and grappa. The historic event “Monteriggioni di torri si corona” traditionally takes place every year in July and has been held for over 30 years. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Monteriggioni, you can therefore focus on fortress history, nature, cycle paths, wine or regional products.

For further orientation in the area, you can also explore Castellina Scalo, Santa Colomba, Borgonuovo, Tognazza, Strove, Belverde and Lornano.

For the overview of the wider area: Siena.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Trequanda.