An evocative loop trekking route that “joins” an ancient abbey, a fortified village and an uninhabited castle, all important and fascinating places in the history of the Terre di Siena.

From Abbadia a Isola, an ancient resting place along the Via Francigena, to Monteriggioni, the last defensive bulwark of Siena mentioned by Dante, to Castiglion Alto, home of Sapia, another Dante character. In between, the Tuscan countryside in all its glory.

Technical description:
From Abbadia to Isola follow the Via Francigena to the nearby forest. Here (km 1.8) instead of continuing along the Via, take the right and immediately after the left uphill, entering the woods along the old route of the Francigena.
When you reach a first crossroads, go straight and then right continuing until you exit the forest. (km 3.8). From here, cross the Cassia road and climb to the fortified village of Monteriggioni (km 5).
Coming out of the north gate, you descend in the direction of Colonna. After passing the freeway, take the bike path that runs along the Cassia in a northerly direction. After about 1 km turn left uphill toward Castiglion Alto (km 7.4).
After visiting the castle, we walk through the vineyard below, turning first right and then left at the first houses (km 8.5). Along the Serfignano Road we cross the highway to return on SP74 to Abbadia a Isola.

Route type: loop
Length: 10 km
Height difference in ascent: 150 m
Downhill elevation gain: 160 m
Highest point: 281 m
Lowest point: 189 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
There are water fountains in both Abbadia a Isola and Monteriggioni.
Please note that Castiglion Alto is disused private property; you cannot enter inside the castle because it is unsafe. If open, however, it is possible to visit the chapel at the side of the castle, with an interesting plaster high relief behind the altar.

Municipality of departure: Monteriggioni
Starting location: Abbadia a Isola
Municipality of arrival: Monteriggioni
Arrival Location: Abbadia a Isola

All year round. In spring the fields around Abbadia a Isola are full of poppies and cornflowers that are now rare.

Where to park:
There is ample parking at Abbadia a Isola.

Useful links:
http://www.monteriggioniturismo.it/