Inside the Castle of Monteriggioni, a fortress constructed by the Sienese at the start of the 13th century, visitors may tour the “Monteriggioni in Arms” Museum and walk the entire circuit that includes walkways high up the town walls.

Built in the early 1200s, the walkways along the walls are composed of two distinct passageways of different lengths, located near the town gates.  The itinerary makes it possible to retrace an ideal version of the rounds of Medieval guards which likely existed in the history of Monteriggioni.

The two walkways provide an incredible overview of the castle and treat visitors to a breathtaking panorama that sweeps from the hills of Chianti to the woods of the Montagnola, all the way to the towers of San Gimignano in the distance.

The “Monteriggioni in Arms” Museum, its entry at Piazza Dante Alighieri 23, offers an educational exhibition that is spread over four rooms, exploring the time when Monteriggioni served as a military outpost of the Republic of Siena.

Each room, dedicated to a different century between the 13th and 16th centuries, contains reproductions of weapons and armour believed to have been popular in the area.  Bilingual panels illustrate local history and describe the techniques of siege and defense at a Medieval castle.

The pieces on display were created following authentic, ancient techniques, using original elements if still in existence, informed by period paintings of soldiers and battle scenes.

Visitors are given the rare opportunity to handle and try on several pieces of armour, letting them enjoy direct interaction with the exhibit, making them active participants in an educational experience.