San Gimignano's Skyline: Best Activities in Tuscany's Tower Town
Step into a living medieval masterpiece in San Gimignano, where 14 magnificent towers pierce the Tuscan sky, remnants of the original 72 that once defined this spectacular hilltop town. This UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture and breathtaking vistas across rolling vineyards.
Our comprehensive guide unveils the best experiences in the "Town of Fine Towers," from scaling historic towers for panoramic views to savoring the renowned Vernaccia white wine and award-winning gelato. Explore Gothic palaces, Romanesque churches, and bustling piazzas that transport you through centuries of Tuscan history.
Our comprehensive guide unveils the best experiences in the "Town of Fine Towers," from scaling historic towers for panoramic views to savoring the renowned Vernaccia white wine and award-winning gelato. Explore Gothic palaces, Romanesque churches, and bustling piazzas that transport you through centuries of Tuscan history.
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16 places
Porta San Giovanni, San Gimignano
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An entrancing and unique 13th-century arch-gate, that provides access to San Gimignano from the south. Right next to this remarkable gate you will find ruins of a late 16th-century church, "La Madonna dei Lumi", that its bell tower still can be seen. From Porta San Giovanni you can easily continue to a wonderful walking along the town walls and enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding area.
Museum of Torture, San Gimignano
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Embark on a fascinating historical journey into the darkness of the human soul, through instruments of torture. 100 instruments, mostly from the 16 to the 18 centuries, that all there propose was to cause pain, anguish, and horror.
FAI - Tower and Casa Campatelli, San Gimignano
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Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano's towers are among the most famous in Tuscany. One of the most important towers in San Gimignano is Torre e Casa Campatelli, which is also one of the loveliest attractions in the town. Torre e Casa Campatelli is a charming 28-meters high 12th-century medieval tower. The tower, which is part of a complex, belonged to the Campatelli family, which turned it into an 18th-century residence of an Haute bourgeoisie and later donate it. The complex is beautifully organized and full of splendid furniture and artworks and tells the story of San Gimignano through the centuries.
Gelateria Dondoli, San Gimignano
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Gelateria Dondoli gains world-famous for its terrific handmade Gelato, which is absolutely a must-try. The gelato is delicious, with surprising tastes, and is considered one of the best in Italy and beyond. If you want to learn more about the making of gelato you may also try Gelateria Dondoli gelato class.
SanGimignano1300, San Gimignano
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San Gimignano 1300 is a fantastic museum which simulates the way San Gimignano looks in 1300. It does so by a variety of art technics including an excellent ceramic display of the city at the beginning of the 13th century.
Town Hall, Picture Gallery and Great Tower, San Gimignano
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14 towers left of 72, in the Town of Fine Towers, and La Torre Grossa is the tallest of them all. While it takes an effort to climb the 54 meters medieval tower which was built in 1310, the view is breathtaking and well worth it. The entrance of Torre Grossa is via Palazzo Comunale (also named as Palazzo del Popolo), the administrative center or in a modern form, a town hall, of San Gimignano since the 13th century. Adorned with lovely frescos, Palazzo Comunale also hosts a museum and a gallery with wonderful artworks.
Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
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The civic center of San Gimignano, and an entrancing square that includes or is close to many of the town's main attractions. As the name suggests, Piazza del Duomo is adjoint to Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, The town's Duomo. It also includes Palazzo Comunale, and other fascinating medieval 13th century buildings and towers. A favorite of locals and tourists, Piazza del Duomo is a must-visit in San Gimignano.
Duomo di San Gimignano, San Gimignano
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Duomo di San Gimignano is one of San Gimignano's most valuable treasures, with extraordinary intact 14th-century frescos that cover the interior. Also named Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, the remarkable medieval Roman Catholic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as all the historic center of the town. Except for the imposing frescos which illustrate New and Old Testaments stories, the interior contains 14 wonderful stone columns and polychrome decorations. Duomo di San Gimignano is not only a place of worship, but also a masterpiece of art and architecture, and therefore one of the most important sites in San Gimignano to visit.
Torre Salvucci Maggiore Dimora Storica del XII Secolo, San Gimignano
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Torre Salvucci Maggiore is one of the imposing medieval towers of San Gimignano. The tower which reaches 42 meters in height, provides a fantastic panoramic view of the town and its spectacular surrounding landscape.
Rocca of Montestaffoli, San Gimignano
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An imposing fortress from the 14th century belonged to Lombard Astolfo and later turned into Dominican Convent. Originally, Rocca of Montestaffoli was built by the Florentines, to protect the town from invaders and locals' uprising. Only one of the fortress' turrets is open to the public, however, it offers an enchanting view of the town's historical center.
Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano
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A winsome medieval square, and one of the most popular places in San Gimignano for centuries. The square, which used to be placed with taverns and small businesses of locals, has a unique triangular shape. Surrounded by ancient towers, Piazza della Cisterna also includes the lovely Arco dei Becci, one of the town's old gates.
Galleria Continua, San Gimignano
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Exceptional international contemporary art gallery, which was inaugurated in 1990 at San Gimignano. The art gallery, which dwells in what used to be a cinema, exhibits wonderful and unique artworks and is well worth a visit to anyone who loves art.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte, San Gimignano
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The church of San Lorenzo in Ponte (Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte) is a wonderful 13th-century Romanesque church. The church is relatively small yet has much to offer. Especially magnificent frescos at the church and the portico.
Porta delle Fonti, San Gimignano
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Porta delle Fonti is the gate to magnificent 14th-century Roman fountains, which the people of San Gimignano used for drinking, bathing, or laundry. The engaging roman fountains have an impressive ten arches, and the way that leads to the fountains is beautiful and enjoyable.
Via delle Fonti, 19, 53037 San Gimignano SI, ItalyChiesa di Sant'Agostino, San Gimignano
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Belonged to the Augustinian Order, Chiesa di Sant'Agostino is a remarkable 13th-century church. Serve the people of San Gimignano for centuries, the church is covered with wonderful and colorful 15th-century frescos. Chiesa di Sant'Agostino also has a charming bell tower which was erected in 1241.
Podere La Marronaia, Sosta alle Colonne, San Gimignano
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A family-owned farm that offers delicious wine and food tastings, and even pasta cooking classes. A spectacular Tuscan experience in a winsome organic farm.
Sticky Notes
Parking
You should park in special parking lots around the town or use public transportation. For more information about the parking lots, pricing, and buses - click here.
Walking
San Gimignano is made for walking. The town is relatively small, and most of the important sites are near one another. However, the towers require climbing and the best way to discover the town's magic is to wander around by walking. Therefore, comfortable shoes are recommended.