Take a day during your holiday to Tuscany and enjoy a tour around what was once one of the biggest and most majestic castles in the land! The castle of Monteriggioni is also home to one of Tuscany’s most famous legends which visitors are sure to enjoy strolling around as they imagine the scene that took place many centuries ago here. There are plenty of picturesque vacation rentals with guest reviews available for visitors to enjoy if they wish to stay in the Monteriggioni area for a few days.
Monteriggioni castle had fifteen towers built into a huge surrounding wall of twenty metres high and two metres thick.
It was built by the Republic of Siena to defend itself against its rival province of Florence during the territory wars in Italy. It resisted ferocious attacks for over three centuries and earned itself a mention in Dante Alighieri’s famous ‘Divine Comedy’.
Monteriggioni castle had fifteen towers built into a huge surrounding wall of twenty metres high and two metres thick.
It was built by the Republic of Siena to defend itself against its rival province of Florence during the territory wars in Italy. It resisted ferocious attacks for over three centuries and earned itself a mention in Dante Alighieri’s famous ‘Divine Comedy’.
At one point during this resistance, a man called Captain Giovannino Zeti was head of Siena’s military forces. During yet another battle between the provinces at Monteriggioni castle, the Florentines fired cannons which hit a central well and severely damaged the water supplies within the castle.
Capatin Zeti felt torn as he knew no battle could be won when their defences were jeopardised and water was in low stock. His men had vowed to fight to their death in defence of their precious castle but he wasn’t prepared to meet such a fate himself.
He slipped out in disguise that night and headed towards the resting Florentine army camp outside the castle walls to negotiate with their leader. They agreed to give him back his Florentine citizenship and the properties that had been taken from him years ago when he had switched sides if he led some of the army into the castle to attack from the inside. Zeti approved of this plan and led some of the armed troops inside and there they seized control and forced the Sienese army to surrender.
Capatin Zeti felt torn as he knew no battle could be won when their defences were jeopardised and water was in low stock. His men had vowed to fight to their death in defence of their precious castle but he wasn’t prepared to meet such a fate himself.
He slipped out in disguise that night and headed towards the resting Florentine army camp outside the castle walls to negotiate with their leader. They agreed to give him back his Florentine citizenship and the properties that had been taken from him years ago when he had switched sides if he led some of the army into the castle to attack from the inside. Zeti approved of this plan and led some of the armed troops inside and there they seized control and forced the Sienese army to surrender.
But Captain Zeti was soon to be tormented by his betrayal and was disowned by Siena in disgust; they hated him passionately and wished him dead. He lived the rest of his days haunted by his greedy and cowardly behaviour.
Over the centuries, many people have reported sightings of the ghost of Captain Zeti, crying out his pleas for compassion and understanding of his decision to give Florence control of Monteriggioni castle. His actions seemed to have doomed him forever as he wanders the lands rejected and alone.
Tourists wishing to come and learn more about this thrilling legend and more about the history of Monteriggioni can walk around an exquisite museum here dedicated to the rich history of the castle and the wars between Florence and Siena. This story is also explained in a wonderful documentary about the legends of Tuscany and can be purchased via this link.
Related articles will tell you about other interesting myths and tales of Tuscany and could be a source of inspiration when planning a Tuscan holiday full of excitement and wonder!
Over the centuries, many people have reported sightings of the ghost of Captain Zeti, crying out his pleas for compassion and understanding of his decision to give Florence control of Monteriggioni castle. His actions seemed to have doomed him forever as he wanders the lands rejected and alone.
Tourists wishing to come and learn more about this thrilling legend and more about the history of Monteriggioni can walk around an exquisite museum here dedicated to the rich history of the castle and the wars between Florence and Siena. This story is also explained in a wonderful documentary about the legends of Tuscany and can be purchased via this link.
Related articles will tell you about other interesting myths and tales of Tuscany and could be a source of inspiration when planning a Tuscan holiday full of excitement and wonder!
