Monteriggioni in Tuscany is famous for its historical architecture, wine and Assassin's Creed / wikipedia
Monteriggioni in Tuscany is famous for its historical architecture, wine and Assassin's Creed / wikipedia

Monteriggioni is a small, walled village in the Tuscan hills, but it packs a punch for its fortress, its well-conserved walls that surround the whole village, and of course the Chianti Colli Senesi wine that is produced there. The hill on which the castle town stands, just 12 miles from Siena, is covered in grapevines and vineyards, plus olive orchards, where artisanal extra virgin olive oil and quality wines are made.

Monteriggioni in Assassin’s Creed

Videogame fans will already be familiar with Monteriggioni without even knowing it. The town, whose architecture and atmosphere have barely changed since medieval times, was used as the setting for Assassin’s Creed II. This is the town where Ezio Auditore famously jumps, flips, climbs and battles his way through evil forces of Tuscany in the game.

Anyone who has played this Assassin’s Creed game will instantly recognise features of the town from the game, including the imposing towers, the enormous castle and the long wall which goes around the whole town and that you can take a stroll along.

Exploring Monteriggioni Wineries & Vineyards

The medieval walled town of Monteriggioni is also famed for its wines, both white and red, which are produced in the vineyards around the castle, including Chianti Colli Senesi, Il Cigolino and Chianti Classico from the nearby town of Castellina in Chianti. The town lies in the Chianti valley, a region that is known the world over for being the birthplace of Italy’s most famous, and most tasty, wine.

All the popular wines from Monteriggioni are given Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) status, certifying their authenticity as special products of the region. Wine tours are available around the numerous vineyards and wine cellars in the area, which you can take part in as a private individual or as a group. You can plan your trip using a map or by following directions from the internet.

The famous Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Monteriggioni / wikipedia

Things to see in Monteriggioni?

  • Walls and TowersThe high, stone wall, which stretches the length of Monteriggioni for 570 metres and has 14 defensive towers at different points along it, is famed for its historical ability to keep out the invading Florentines. These days there is a walkway that you can take to enjoy both the ancient architecture and the stunning scenery, for the nominal price of 2 euro.
  • “Monteriggioni in Arme” Armoury Museum: As a further celebration of its glorious medieval military past, Monteriggioni is home to an Armoury Museum that fascinates with its displays of full suits of armour and its exhibits of traditional weapons which you can interact with, trying on the armour and lifting a sword.
  • Church of Santa Maria Assunta: The town also has a 13th century church with its original façade intact, in the main square or piazza. It is one of many well-preserved religious buildings in the region, along with the Abbadia Isola abbey and the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago.

How to get to Monteriggioni?

  • By train: Train station on the main line Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni, from where you’ll have to get a taxi.
  • By car: From the Florence-Siena dual carriageway, take the exit for Monteriggioni, just 6 miles from Siena, and follow the signs.
  • By plane: Three International Airports near Monteriggioni: Florence Airport (about 45 miles), Pisa Airport (about 60 miles) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (about 170 miles)

Where to eat in Monteriggioni?

You can eat Tuscan cuisine at its best in Monteriggioni to accompany your outstanding red wine, with an enogastronomical tour of all the best wines and the typical local dishes.

Best restaurants in Monteriggioni

  • Antico Travaglio: The Osteria Gelateria Antico Travaglio restaurant in the the main square offers fresh meals made every day with local, seasonal ingredients. As well as the Pici, Tagliolini, Ravioli and Pappardelle pasta, plus the special meat from the exclusive Chianina breed of cattle, the homemade, natural desserts and ice cream are to die for.
  • Il Ciliegio: If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, try the Il Ciliegio traditional restaurant-cum-farmhouse, which serves typical food from the region with a menu that changes every week and gluten free and vegetarian options available. The diners even eat at long tables all together for a more authentic Italian eating experience.

Best restaurants with a view

  • Soloperpassione: For truly breath-taking views of the Tuscan countryside while you eat, looking down on the vines on the sloping hills around the walls of Monteriggioni, try Soloperpassione. It has all the typical Italian pastas, as well as a large variety of cheeses and other dishes.
  • Tavola di Guido: Just outside the city of Monteriggioni, near the town of Castellina in Chianti, is this isolated and relaxing estate. The landscape from up here is truly stunning, and it’s a luxurious setting for a five-course a la carte meal.

Where to stay in Monteriggioni?

Hotels:

  • Relais Castel Bigozzi ⋆⋆⋆⋆
    This luxury 4-star hotel in Tuscany is a repurposed castle built a thousand years ago, equipped with a swimming pool, spa, incredible views and stylish bedrooms for a really relaxing stay.
  • Relais la Costa ⋆⋆⋆⋆
    The hotel is a renovated luxury villa between Monteriggioni and Siena. Its best point is its rooftop terrace where you can sit with a glass of local Chianti and enjoy the incredible landscape.

Holiday rentals and property for sale:

What to see near Monteriggioni, Tuscany