Monteriggioni, with its formidable ring of walls and towers, dominates the surrounding hills. Monteriggioni was built in 1213 to guard the northern borders of Sienese territory. In 1554 a major betrayal cost the town its freedom and it fell into Florentine hands, presaging the final loss of the Republic of Siena to Florence in 1555. Fortifications like this played an important role in medieval Tuscany. These walled hilltop towns, often known as borghi, are emblematic of the Tuscan cityscape.

Check out the replicas of armor and weapons from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In addition to the armor, there are some detailed miniature displays of battles, military history, and castle life. The museum has placards explaining the exhibits in both English and Italian.

Ticket Prices

Regular (Intero) – 4€.

Ticket includes walking on BOTH walls and entrance to the museum. Make sure you keep your ticket if you want to walk on the walls!

There are two sections of walls you can climb. If you only want to climb one, choose the southern section (close to the main town entrance at Porta Franca). It’s larger and has the best countryside views of the two.

Open daily from 9:30AM-1:30PM and 2:00PM-7:30PM

Ticket price included in Monteriggioni in Arme museum entrance.

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta is tiny, simple, and beautiful. You can go inside, but the outside, with its gorgeous old stone walls, is the most impressive part of the church. It was built in 1213, the same year Monteriggioni was built. The bell tower is the most ‘recent’ addition to the structure – it was added in the 1700s.

Take a seat on a bench and relax in the main square (Piazza Roma) and imagine life here in the Middle Ages. Or, order a coffee or gelato at one of the cafes on the piazza.

Tuscan antipasti, handmade pasta, and florentine steak on a leafy terrace in a medieval fortress. Also described as "gelato heaven" by one reviewer so you can always just stop by for a quick treat.

Travelers' Choice 2023 on Trip Advisor

12:00PM - 3:15PM

7:00PM - 10:00PM

$$ - $$$ (€20–40 pp.)

+39 0577 165 1764

Piazza Roma, 6/A, 53035 Monteriggioni SI, Italy

Excellent, reasonably priced authentic tuscan food in the most picturesque setting. Linen laid tables under wine vines, fairy lights, and candles. They list their specialties as being "fried calamari, anchovies and prawns," "chef's pici with typical tuscan ragu," or "florentine steak" but you can find the entire menu here.

Travelers' Choice 2023 on Trip Advisor

12:00PM - 2:30PM

7:00PM - 9:30PM

$$ - $$$ (lunch €20-30pp, dinner €40–60pp.)

+39 0577 920862

Piazza Roma 21, 53035, Monteriggioni Italy

Though it's a little out of the way, this family operated restaurant is where many of the locals of Monteriggioni go,. It's the perfect place for a delicious and authentic lunch.

Travelers' Choice 2023 on Trip Advisor

7:00AM - 7:00PM

$

+39 0577 593387

Via Cassia Nord 3, 53035, Monteriggioni Italy

Homemade Tuscan pasta, game dishes, and grilled meats in a stone-walled room or on a garden terrace (located in Hotel Monteriggioni).

Travelers' Choice 2023 on Trip Advisor

12:00PM - 3:00PM

7:00PM - 10:30PM

$$ (€15-30pp.)

+39 0577 304370

Via Primo Maggio 1, 53035, Monteriggioni Italy

Don’t worry about finding a parking spot – the parking lot is almost as big as the town itself. There are three parking areas. The first two are connected and you’ll see them on the right on your way toward the town. At the entrance, there is a free small section. You must back your vehicle in. Next to the free section is the main large parking lot. Take a ticket at the barrier and park. It’s about a 3-5 minute uphill walk (some stairs and some on the road) to get to the main entrance of the town at Porta Franca. If you need to get even closer, there is another lot just outside of the walls. It’s about a 1-minute walk to Porta Franca. This lot is convenient if you have a stroller or someone who has trouble walking. When you are ready to leave, take your ticket and pay at the machine. You can pay with cash or credit card and you have 10 minutes to leave once you’ve paid.