San Gimignano, Italy – Best Things to Do
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San Gimignano is a fetching walled hill town with marvelous medieval architecture, surrounded by spectacular Tuscan landscapes and vineyards. The town, known as the "Town of Fine Towers" used to have 72 towers. Today only 14 has left and adds much to the town character, creates a wonderful medieval skyline, and provides lovely vantage points to see the striking beauty of the town and beyond from above. The well-preserved Romanesque and gothic architecture will take you back in time, with a fascinating historic center which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also has a splendid culinary scene, fantastic regional white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and a great artistic vibe.
This San Gimignano travel guide will show you all the best things to do in one of the most pictorial towns in Tuscany. What to see, map to know where to go, and even where to eat the best gelato you will ever try.
This San Gimignano travel guide will show you all the best things to do in one of the most pictorial towns in Tuscany. What to see, map to know where to go, and even where to eat the best gelato you will ever try.
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16 places
1
Porta San Giovanni, San Gimignano
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.
2
Museum of Torture, San Gimignano
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.
3
FAI - Tower and Casa Campatelli, San Gimignano
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.
4
Gelateria Dondoli, San Gimignano
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.
5
SanGimignano1300, San Gimignano
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.
6
Town Hall, Picture Gallery and Great Tower, San Gimignano
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.
7
Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
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.
8
Duomo di San Gimignano, San Gimignano
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.
9
Torre Salvucci Maggiore Dimora Storica del XII Secolo, San Gimignano
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.
10
Rocca of Montestaffoli, San Gimignano
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.
11
Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano
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.
12
Galleria Continua, San Gimignano
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.
13
Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte, San Gimignano
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.
14
Porta delle Fonti, San Gimignano
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, Italy15
Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, San Gimignano
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.
16
Podere La Marronaia, Sosta alle Colonne, San Gimignano
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.
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.