Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is a commune in Siena in the Tuscany region, but it was originally a border fortress built on a small natural hillock by Siena against Florence. Its defensive and elliptical stone walls are a complete contrast to the sweet landscape with vineyards and olive trees. Monteriggioni has architectural and cultural significance as evident by its appearance in Assassin's Creed II and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. The Castle was built between the years 1213 and 1219 by Sienese Podestà Guelfo da Porcari so that it could guard the valleys of the rivers Staggia and Elsa. The imposing walls and the 11 towers are still intact and can be seen for miles around to this very day.

There have been rumors that Monteriggioni is haunted by the ghost of Captain Zeti on cold Winter nights. Another rumor claims that the Castle has secret passageways that connect the Village to the forts in the surroundings and the city of Siena. Once a year Monteriggioni holds a medieval festival that features characters dressed up in historical costumes, minstrels, jesters, fire swallowers, craftsmen, street artists and shows. This festival is held in mid July and is considered to be one of the most popular events in Italy and Europe. All the more reason why you should visit Monteriggioni.