Tuscany; Monteriggioni: view from inside on city wall with towers and Porta Franca city gate (flag on top) in the centre; Monteriggioni is located on top of Monte Ala. It was built as a defense fortress (fortified settlement) with a 570 m long city wall 1213 - 1219 by the Republic of Siena as a border fortress against its rival; the Republic of Florence. First war activites started in 1244; followed 1260 by the battle of Montaperti; won by Siena. In 1526; Monterigigoni was besieged by Florence; but won again. In 1554; Monterigigoni was taken by Gian Giacomo Medici of Florence. A traitor; Capitano Bernardino Zeti; had opened a city gate. Since 1777; Monterigigoni is an independant community.