Aggies’ Mediterranean Adventure

October 29, 2023

Sadly today we are leaving the farm and heading on to Glenda’s time share in Selvatelle. A few last pics of the amazing views from this property seemed in order. 

On the way to our new digs, we’re going to make a whistle stop at the town of Monteriggioni. We’ve passed this guy a number of times in our daily jaunts so we’ve decided to follow his instructions and head up the hill to wander a bit. 

Monteriggioni is a medieval walled town, located on a natural hill, built by the Sienese in 1214–19 as a front line defence in their wars against Florence. The Castle of Monteriggioni provided a strong defensive bulwark against the expansion of Florence into the strategically sensitive area crossed by the Via Francigena. Because of its defensive function, the history of Monteriggioni includes countless armed clashes with its rival Florence which tried many times to destroy the walled hamlet. Monteriggioni, fell only once; during the siege of 1553.

There was a race the Sunday we were in town and given my strong dislike of hills for walking, I really felt for the people running up the steep hill. I started an impromptu cheering section that brought a smile or maybe it was a grimace to some of the participants. 

The main town square, the Piazza Roma, is dominated by a Romanesque church with a simple, plain façade. Chiesa Santa Maria, which dates back to the thirteenth century, was once the headquarters for a canonical community. 

Behind the church is giardino del pellegrino for the pilgrims that are walking the Via Francigena to Rome. The route of the Via Francigena in Tuscany is rich in history, nature and traditions. It goes over the Cisa Pass to follow mule tracks through forests, fortified villages and along country roads. There was a sign in the pilgrim’s garden that had a great message for us all which I’ve inserted below. 

“The Route, like life, is not a competition. Never get seized by the wish to do too much: your body will soon demand an explanation. Look around, observe, stop and taste. That’s what the Route will teach you.”

Other houses, some in the Renaissance style (once owned by local nobles, gentry, and wealthy merchants) face into the piazza. Off the main piazza smaller streets give way to public gardens fronted by the other houses and small businesses of the town. In more hostile times, these gardens provided vital sustenance when enemies gathered around the walls during sieges.

We meandered through town stopping here and there to marvel at the views and, of course, a bit of retail therapy to see if there were any treasures hidden in the shops in town before heading back to our trusty Peugeot for trip to our new home.

Our unit is ready so we dump the bags at reception and head back to town for lunch at a local pizzeria. The za is good and we’ve got leftovers galore for another meal. There always space for gelato though so we tried out the gelateria next door and it was fantastic. After a stop to pick up some groceries, we headed back to the timeshare to get settled in with plenty of time for a nap! Sometimes, lazy days are the best! 

Later that evening, we had one of our typical charcuterie dinners washed down with copious quantities of red wine. An early night so we’re ready for more exploration the next day. 

Tomorrow is another day. Adventures await …