San Gimignano stands on the top of the gorgeous Val d’Elsa, a wide green valley close to the ancient town of Siena.
Thanks to its central position and its medieval towers, it is very easy to see this little picturesque town from every corner of the valley. As a matter of fact, built between 13th and 14th century, San Gimignano, famous for its medieval architecture, has remained mostly intact: as a proof, visitors can still marvel at 14 towers (in the past there were 72 towers and tower houses) that are until 54 m high (Torre Grossa).
In 1990, the historical centre of San Gimignano has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. San Gimignano is also one of 184 Italian small towns awarded with the "Bandiera Arancione" (Orange Flag) for excellency in tourism, hospitality and the environment.
Main Sights in San Gimignano are:
- Collegiata, the Cathedral of the town dating back to 12th century, rich in artworks;
- the Church of Sant’Agostino, with a collection of paintings belonging to the Renaissance;
- Palazzo del Popolo, the city hall hosting also an art galley with works made by Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi, Domenico di Michelino, Pier Francesco Fiorentino, the brothers Lippo and Federico Memmi;
- Torre Grossa, a tower you can visit with fee;
- “San Gimignano 1300”: inside Palazzo Ficarelli, visitors will find a small-scale model of San Gimignano represented in 14th century, where it’s possible to see the 72 original towers and tower houses, and the representation of many medieval daily scenes of the city at the time. Very charming and interesting! (more info at: http://www.sangimignano1300.com/).
As for San Gimignano’s food, for lovers of Tuscan cuisine, we suggest to taste the delicious Pecorino a latte crudo salato (salted, raw sheep milk cheese) together with the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine produced in and around the Italian hill town of San Gimignano.
From San Gimignano you can easily reach by bus:
- Florence (several buses every hour but on Saturday and Sunday, it takes 1.30/2 hours and you have to change in Poggibonsi);
- Siena (8 buses a day, duration: 1 hour and a half);
- Volterra (4 buses a day, 1 on Sunday – duration: 2 hours, you have to change in Colle Val d’Elsa).
From San Gimignano you can easily reach by car:
- Florence (45 minutes)
- Volterra (30 minutes)
- Siena (about 50 minutes)