San Gimignano: Towers, Art and Vernaccia in Tuscany

San Gimignano presents Tuscany to you in an unusually clear historical form. The historic center lies on a hill and dominates the surrounding landscape. At the same time, it preserves its architectural unity and original urban layout. The characteristic skyline is defined by 14 prominent towers. When choosing your accommodation, this creates a destination where the townscape, art, history, routes and wine are closely connected to the place.

Townscape and Historic Sites

One of the two main squares is Piazza della Cisterna, whose appearance is defined by a central well. Another prominent landmark is the Rocca di Montestaffoli, a fortress built in the 14th century. The Torre Grossa, also known as the Torre del Podestà, was built in 1311 and, at 54 meters, remains the tallest tower in San Gimignano. Its name and height are among the defining facts of the townscape, without any further visiting or access options being inferred from them. The Cathedral of San Gimignano preserves masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art. The Palazzo Comunale, also known as the Palazzo Pubblico, houses the San Gimignano Civic Museum and Picture Gallery. The Musei Civici present history from Etruscan finds to contemporary art, thus spanning a broad period.

Churches, Collections and Art

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte is a small Romanesque church from the 13th century, probably built on the remains of an older church. It contains an extensive fresco cycle depicting Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. Cenni di Francesco created it at the beginning of the second decade of the 15th century. In one fresco, the face of the Madonna and Child in Glory was painted during Simone Martini’s youth. The history of local provision also includes the Spezieria di Santa Fina. It was affiliated with the Spedale Santa Fina in 1253; the hospital had been founded in the mid-13th century. The Museo d’Arte Sacra di San Gimignano is located in the former dormitory of the chaplains. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, low reliefs, illuminated manuscripts, textiles and silverwork from churches and monasteries in the surrounding area. The museum also includes Bartolo di Fredi’s Madonna della Rosa, regarded as one of the Sienese painter’s most refined works. The Museo Archeologico e della Via Francigena di San Gimignano complements this art-historical focus with an area dedicated to the medieval production of glass and ceramics. This makes it possible to trace the development of the town not only through representative buildings and painting, but also through evidence of craftsmanship.

Routes and Vernaccia

The Via Francigena passes through San Gimignano; stage 31 ends in the town’s historic center. The town is therefore also part of a well-known long-distance route whose course is directly connected with the center. Another way to discover San Gimignano through a regional specialty is offered by the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience – La Rocca. There, wine tastings are possible by prior reservation with the assistance of experienced sommeliers. For arrival by car, the parking areas of San Gimignano are located north and south of the town, making access easier for visitors. If you would like to continue your travel planning beyond San Gimignano, you can also include Montauto and Ulignano in your further search.

For the overarching travel overview: Siena.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

San Gimignano - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tuscany (Italy).

Other Destinations

Other places within the same destination:

Asciano, Montalcino, Vagliagli, Taverne D'arbia, Castelnuovo Berardenga.