Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is not much of a town, probably fewer than 50 people live there now, but it still retains its medieval wall and is a perfect place to visit, shop and relax while absorbing a little Italian and Tuscan history.

Throughout much of Italian history, the town has been a Siena ally, and many times in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Sienese sought refuge in its walls when attacked by their arch rivals, the Florentines.

Those days of conflict and wars are long gone, fortunately, but on the Sunday after our arrival, we sought refuge from the maddening hordes of tourists (how could there be so many people in late September?) invading Siena and fortunately we found it in Monteriggioni.

The village has a charming central piazza—lined, of course, with wine shops and restaurants, but anchored by a lovely but tiny 12th century Romanesque church.

The church probably couldn't hold 100 at max and these days probably sees a lot fewer, but it is still very sweet and serene. 

Cute little shops selling to tourists are on the two streets that make up the town—leading you two blocks from the square and then back again.

Several of our party bought shoes while others opted for jewelry.

Once again it proved  a nice  respite from some of the larger and more crowded hill towns.

Our best find was a new (or at least new to us) place to eat—il Ristorante da Remo. They managed to seat all eight of us on the patio, despite having no reservation on a beautiful and warm late summer day and being full of other hungry tourists just like us.

The food was terrific, some of the best we have had and that is saying a lot: their pici pasta with truffles was outstanding and everyone loved their selections, which included rabbit, pork, fish and beef.

The young proprietor, Eduardo, is the son of Remo. His family also owns and operates a nearby luxury hotel (il Piccolo Costello). 

He was quite handsome—some of the ladies (who will go nameless) flirted shamelessly with him.  After lunch he introduced us to his American born fiancée, Katrina. We all vowed to go back soon!

This blog contains two group pictures, in the first, Larry is missing as he was the photographer, as was Mart in the second.

King Robert and Queen Caroline bid you a fond adieu from Monteriggioni. Ya'll come back you hear!