DAY 65 - MONTERIGGIONI to SIENA - 24 June 2026

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We were out before the day warmed up too much, downhill then a gradual uphill on a gravel road. There were beautiful views back to Monteriggioni. 

The Via Francigena took us through shaded forest paths. We saw evidence of horses on the path and came across several fields with horses. The forest opened up into large paddocks and before too long we had our first rest stop.

Marcello offers pilgrims refreshment from his front yard and is a Via Francigena legend. We had a cappuccino and a friendly chat with him. We also admired his bathtub garden and his many turtles.

Refreshed, we continued on past old oak trees and castles. The forest path gave way to a dusty path between fields of ripening sunflowers and wheat. We took advantage of a shady rest stop with fountain, picnic table and bin to eat our rolls leftover from breakfast. 

We passed an obelisk commemorating the draining of the swamp to create farm land and improve public health. It was very dry, hard to imagine it as a swamp.

After a while we found another fountain and drenched our buffs and hats again. We met Élodie and Christine from France, who were walking in the opposite direction, and shared details of the track ahead. 

We followed a quiet road into Siena and our accommodation, finding plenty to admire on the way. Siena is preparing for its famous horse race in the main square on 2 July. We enjoyed discovering the insignia marking the 17 rival contrade boundaries. 

Leaving Monteriggioni this morning
On from Monteriggioni
The Via Francigena on from Monteriggioni 
A few castles dotted this section of the walk
Marcello provides a welcome rest point for weary walkers on the Via Francigena. He also has an impressive bathtub garden and a thriving collection of tortoises.
Australian long-distance walker photographing insects
A rutted surface on the Via Francigena 
Onwards towards Siena
Èlodie and Christine are heading to Monteriggioni today. They were happy to stop for a bit of a chat. 
A bit of road-walking took us into Siena 
Through Siena to our accommodation
Festivities in the Unicorn contrada this afternoon
A few of Siena's distinctive street lamps
Some of Siena's contrada signs
A few highlights of Siena this evening
A few more highlights from this evening
Bits and pieces
Birds
Other animals
Day 65 - Map

Day:                               65
Distance:                      21.43 km
Walking time:               4 hrs 37 mins
Elevation gain:             423 metres
Cumulative distance:  1332.00 km

Comments

  1. Anonymous25 June 2026 at 00:40

    Today’s birds: Western Cattle Egret, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, Common Swift, Short-toed Eagle (probably), Eurasian Jay

    ReplyDelete

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