Monteriggioni is a fortified hill town with no development outside the massive city walls. Inside the walls, it’s two streets that run the length of the village (about 200 yards). Built in the 13th century, it was the perfect setting for a Medieval Festival. Very little work has been done to the city since it was constructed and so it's said to be one of, if not the, best preserved towns in all of Italy. The festival has been going on for years and they really capture every detail. The streets were filled with pilgrims, wayfarers, charlatans, craftsman, jesters, musicians, jugglers, street artists, priests, etc. Skirmishes would periodically break out all over town. Just outside the walls, they recreated an open air battle between the Florentine and Sienese armies. Everything was done to period; the food offered, the instruments used by musicians, the costumes, and even the money (we had to exchange our money at the door for specially minted antique coins). I took lots of pictures!
The kids were all recruited for a reenactment of the Florence-Siena battles. Cole fought for Siena while the girls were recruited by Florence.
After the war the kids were told to make up. Italian kids are so lovey.
Next came the royal wedding of a new king and queen! You might recognize the queen.
Two guards watching out for invaders from atop the wall.
The next few photos are from one of the skits, this one about eliminating evil spirits.
Cole loved the sword fights. Here is one of the knights showing him a few moves.
This is what happens if he uses those moves on Mia and Ella.
