San Gimignano, often referred to as the "Town of Fine Towers" or "Medieval Manhatten", stands as a medieval masterpiece in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its well-preserved tower houses, offering a glimpse into the power and prestige of its 14th-century inhabitants. Wander through its charming streets to discover rich history, exquisite art, and vibrant local culture. The charming town, surrounded by stunning Tuscan landscapes, is a perfect day trip destination.
Top Highlights of San Gimignano
Travel Information
Best time to visit
The best months for visiting are from April to July and again from September to October, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The popular summer months of June through August see a spike in visitors, making the town quite bustling. Visit best early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times.
How to get to San Gimignano
By car** is the easiest way to reach San Gimignano. From Florence, take the Siena-Florence freeway and exit at Poggibonsi Nord, then follow signs to San Gimignano. Coming from Siena, follow the same freeway towards Florence and exit at Poggibonsi Nord. Outside of the small town, there are several parking areas.
By Public Transport: San Gimignano itself doesn't have a train station, the nearest station is in Poggibonsi. Once in Poggibonsi, a bus ride of around 25 minutes will take you directly to town.
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History
San Gimignano's history is as fascinating as its famous skyline. Originally an Etruscan village in the 3rd century BC, it became a site of legend. Its name, derived from Saint Geminianus, commemorates the bishop's miraculous protection of the city from Attila the Hun's destruction in 450 AD. This act of divine intervention led to the town's rechristening and the construction of a church in his honor, around which a walled village later developed. It was also known as the "Castle of San Gimignano" or "Castle of the Forest" due to the extensive woodlands that surrounded it. By 929, it fell under the governance of the bishops of Volterra.
The Middle Ages saw San Gimignano prosper as a key stop for Catholic pilgrims on the Via Francigena to Rome. bolstered by the trade of saffron and the celebrated Vernaccia wine.
The Middle Ages saw San Gimignano prosper as a key stop for Catholic pilgrims to Rome, thanks to its position on the Via Francigena. The town thrived on the trade of saffron and Vernaccia wine, commodities that were highly prized in both culinary and cloth dyeing practices of the time. Its independence from the bishops of Volterra in 1199 marked a golden era of building and cultural development, though not without strife; the Guelphs and Ghibellines' conflicts mirrored the town's internal family rivalries. Competing noble families constructed 72 tower houses, symbols of wealth and power. Interestingly, restrictions were later imposed to limit their heights to that of the Palazzo Comunale. Today only 14 remain, since most were victims of time and engineering misjudgments.
San Gimignano's development took a dramatic turn with the Black Death in 1348, which halved its population. The subsequent submission to Florence marked a decline in its development, preserving its medieval character up until the 19th century when its historical and artistic value began to be recognized. Today, San Gimignano stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved Gothic and Romanesque architecture, including the renowned tower houses.