Free Guide of Tuscany - San Gimignano

This emblematic town in the Tuscan province of Siena is located approximately  30 kilometres northwest of the city of Siena, atop a high hill in the Elsa Valley. San Gimignano is one of the most charming Italian Medieval towns, and it can be seen from quite a distance, perched high upon its hill with its tall spires standing out against the peaceful Tuscan sky. Thanks to the city's natural and cultural wonders it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visiting it means taking a trip back in time, to the dramatic, romantic period of the Italian City-States.
This towered town is pleasant to visit at any time of year. During the winter visits to churches and museums can be interspersed with an espresso and panino break, perhaps at one of the numerous outdoor markets featuring the local agricultural products and wines the town is famous for. Spring and summer visitors can go one step further in their explorations of the historic centre and do something adventurous, such as climbing the stairs to the top of the towers.
San Gimignano was founded by the Etruscans, and began to the develop between the 9th and 12th centuries, thanks to trading privileges due to the nearby crossroads of the Via Francigena and Via Pisana. It witnessed its period of maximum prosperity at the beginning of the 13th century, when it became a free City State. During a spell of intense fighting between the Guelphs and Ghibellines in 1351, the town it lost its autonomy to Florence.
The two main gates to the town, Porta San Giovanni (south) and Porta San Matteo (north), are also the names to the two main streets which lead to the heart of San Gimignano. The 13th-century Piazza della Cisterna, with its triangular shape, got its name from the well in the centre of the square; it is flanked by numerous towers and buildings erected by the aristocratic families of the era. Living remnants of one thousand years of history and the former prosperity of the town, the towers were a symbol of power and success, and thus the reason the families constantly competed with each other to build ever taller ones. At its utmost splendour there were seventy-two towers in the city, although only thirteen remain.
A few steps further lies the Duomo, one side of which is home to the Collegiata and the Capella di Santa Fina, with the containing Palazzo del Podestà, the base of San Gimignano's first tower, Torre Rognosa. A visit to the Museo Civico in Palazzo del Popolo is a must (with important Tuscan paintings from the period between the 13th and 15th centuries) as is a stop at the churches of San Piero and Sant’Agostino. There is an interesting 15th-century fresco in Palazzo del Popolo depicting the life of the saint in 17 scenes.
Don't miss...
The view from the top of San Gimignano’s towers over the town and surrounding countryside is unique. The main observation point is inside Palazzo del Popolo, seat of the municipality, where the entrance to Torre Grossa (54 meters high) is located. From the tiny Piazza delle Erbe, dominated by the two Torri Salvucci, it is possible to climb up to the panoramic castle of Montestaffoli, a public park and meeting place for local artists. Here, from a small, accessible tower, the most beautiful and charming view of the city can be enjoyed.
Useful information
The area inside the city walls is closed to vehicles. Thus cars should be parked in one of the lots outside the gates leading to the centre. Despite the numerous parking spaces, it may be difficult to find a place during high season.
Special Events
Among the numerous local festivals and events, the following absolutely mustn't be missed: February's Carnival with its parade of floats and masked characters; the “Ferri delle Messi” in June, a historical performance in the streets of the city animated by street singers, musicians, actors, archers, and stands with Medieval arts and crafts; the “Le vie dello zafferano” saffron exhibit and market at the end of October; and the “De Excellentia Olei” extra virgin olive oil exhibit and market in November.

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