From Dante to the Playstation: medieval Monteriggioni
2013
A scene from Assassins Creed II in Monteriggioni
Located on a hilltop near Siena and San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, characterised by its stunning medieval walls, has been labelled a quintessential Tuscan village. It is well known for its wine production, picturesque countryside location and laid back way of life. It is also one of the most well preserved and best known walled towns in Italy, boasting an almost perfectly circular wall which surrounds the entire village. In the past, Monteriggioni was well and truly caught in the middle, as conflicts raged between Siena and Florence. With its 14 towers and 2 entry gates, it really is a sight to behold, even if it was used as a defence fortification!
It’s no wonder then, that this village, with its amazing hilltop location and incredible wall, influenced the great Tuscan poet Dante Alighieri. Montereggioni, with its impressive wall and turrets inspired Dante to mention them in his ‘Inferno’, where he likens them to the giants surrounding the infernal abyss: ‘As with circling round/Of turrets, Montereggioni crowns his walls’. If this place had the ability to get a mention in Dante’s work, it’s got to be worth a visit!
And from the past to the present, Montereggioni is still inspiring and influencing many kinds of people, notably the makers of the popular video game Assassin’s Creed II. Due to the mention of Montereggioni in Assassin’s Creed, lots of visitors have flocked here to check it out. If you aren’t already clued up on the game, then it revolves around the character of Ezio Auditore, who has become an assassin after the murder of his father and brothers. The player controls Ezio, whose headquarters are based here. As well as exploring this functional village and Ezio’s family villa in Assassin’s Creed, the player can also hunt for various treasure in Montereggioni. That’s just in the game though…who knows if you’ll actually come across a treasure chest hidden in one of the many gardens, or behind the medieval wall…
So if you’re looking for a Siena excursion with a little extra something, CAF Tours have the perfect Siena and San Gimignano tour for you. With visits to the renowned Tuscan locations of Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano and of course, the culturally and historically significant Montereggioni, you’re spoilt for choice. The hardest thing will be deciding which of these terrific Tuscan towns you like best!