At a height of 324 metres on a hill which dominates the Elsa valley and only 40 km from Siena, San Gimignano is one of the most charming towns in Tuscany, thanks to its typical medieval look.
Of Etruscan origin, it takes its name from the Saint Bishop of Modena who, in the 6th century, saved the village from Totila’s hordes. It became a free state in 1199, freeing itself from the feudal obligations with the Bishop of Volterra, but after numerous wars, civil strife and the dreadful plague of 1348, the town of San Gimignano, in 1354, accepted the rule of Florence.
In San Gimignano there are fourteen characteristic towers (at the end of the thirteenth century there were 72), two Podesta palaces and several churches dating back to the same period, for example the Church of Sant’Agostino, home to many wonderful frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli.
In the central Piazza del Duomo there is the Palazzo del Popolo or Palazzo Nuovo del Podesta’, one of the most interesting monuments in San Gimignano and home to the Civic Museums. Alongside the museums is the Torre Grossa, built in 1311 and the tallest tower in the city (54 metres).
The Cathedral, also known as the Collegiata, consecrated in 1148, contains some beautiful frescoes by Taddeo di Bartolo, a painting by Gozzoli and sculptures by Iacopo della Quercia.
In the same square is the 12th century Palazzo Vecchio del Podesta’, transformed into a theatre at the end of the 18th century, with its Torre Rognosa or Clock Tower (51 metres tall). Close by is the triangular square, Piazza della Cisterna, so-called because of the characteristic cistern there and its medieval imprint.
San Gimignano From the stronghold of Montestaffoli, a fort erected by the Florentines in 1353, one can enjoy an excellent panorama of the town and its surroundings.
Our visit to San Gimignano takes us on a long journey through the masterpieces of Florentine art, with two main focal points : the first linked to the flourishing of Siena, the second of that of Florence.
Amongst the typical produce of San Gimignano, one must remember the famous Vernaccia of San Gimignano (D.O.C.G.) and the red San Gimignano wine (D.O.C.).
The town of San Gimignano is twinned with the town of Meersburg in Germania and is registered with UNESCO.