Guide to Monteriggioni

"An away-from-it-all spot where you can truly get away-from-it-all, Monteriggioni is a Tuscan idyll like no other."

Over 800 years ago the tiny settlement of Monteriggioni found itself in a delightful setting, but in an uncomfortable position. At its back were the rich, fertile and productive lands of Siena's northern territories, whilst at its face stood the powerful and jealous regime of the Florentines. In a mood of justifiable self defence, and to protect the lands behind it, the town built itself a thick, protective wall which it heavily fortified with look out towers and battlements. Its eyrie-like setting on top of a steep Tuscan hillside gave it even more protection and perhaps helped to deter visitors, both welcome and unwanted, for the next eight centuries. Which is good. It means that today it is possible to discover a get-away-from-it-all hideaway. An off-the-beaten-track idyll like this is a real holiday gem. The walls are intact and invite you to enjoy one of the most peaceful, at-your-own-pace walks imaginable. The village sleeps for most of the day; its ancient stone cottages follow higgledy-piggledy paved streets and seem to have their eyes shut – or at least their green wooden shutters are closed against the sunlight and the outside world. What life there is in Monteriggioni centres around the main square with its handful of shops, smattering of open-air cafes and restaurants, usually small and family-run, serving the most traditional Tuscan food you're ever likely to find. This is the place to pause and take stock. Sip a glass or two of Castello di Monteriggioni, the robust but smooth local wine. Watch the people of the village go about their unhurried business - and wonder why there can't be more times like this.

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