SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano
Just under a two-hour drive from Villa Gorgona lies one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Italy.
San Gimignano’s unique character and cultural importance were recognised in 1990 when it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Perched on a hill and surrounded by Tuscan vineyards, the town makes a striking impression even from afar. Its picturesque setting sets the tone long before you wander into its maze of historic streets.
San Gimignano is often called the “The Manhattan of the Middle Ages” – and for good reason. Its skyline is dominated by a collection of slender towers, 14 of which still stand today, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Known as case torre, these tower houses were erected by wealthy families not only for defence but also as symbols of power and prestige. At the height of the town’s prosperity, there were as many as 72.
A leisurely stroll through San Gimignano will lead you to its heart – the two main squares: Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo. Some of the town’s most famous historic sites can be found there.
Piazza della Cisterna, dating back to the 13th century, is a triangular square named after the travertine well at its centre, built over an underground cistern in 1287. Framed by beautiful medieval buildings and historic palaces in stone and brick, the square has an unmistakable charm. One of its towers, Torre del Diavolo – the Devil’s Tower – has its own legend: the owner, returning from a long journey, found it mysteriously taller than before. Unable to explain the change, he blamed the handiwork of a bored devil.
For gelato lovers, San Gimignano is a dream destination. Right on Piazza della Cisterna you’ll find the famous Gelateria Dondoli – an award-winning ice cream parlour celebrated by foodies worldwide. Alongside classic flavours, it offers regional specialities, including sorbets infused with Vernaccia di San Gimignano (a dry white wine) and creamy gelato made with sweet San Gimignano Vin Santo. Other local ingredients include saffron from nearby farms, pine nuts from Pisa, and dried figs from Carmignano.
Just around the corner on Piazza del Duomo stands the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Modest in its Romanesque exterior, the church’s interior surprises with vivid Renaissance frescoes that bring its walls to life.
Also on the square is the 13th-century Palazzo Comunale – the town hall – which still serves as the seat of local government. Part of the palace is open to visitors, who can climb the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano. At 54 metres high, the view from the top is nothing short of spectacular – well worth the climb.
