Welcome to San Gimignano, the enchanting village renowned for its iconic Towers, and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990! Located in the heart of Tuscany, this medieval gem is famed for its spectacular skyline dominated by its towering structures, which once symbolized the wealth and power of its noble families.
The San Gimignano towers stand as a testament to the town’s rich history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with their striking silhouettes against the Tuscan landscape.

Affectionately nicknamed “The Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” San Gimignano is a Tuscan medieval gem that still preserves the charm of that era, framed by the 14 towers that remain today. Once, these towers were symbols of power, influence, and wealth for the local noble families. It is said that between the late 1100s and the mid-1300s, San Gimignano had as many as 72 towers.

Every corner of San Gimignano is wonderful to explore. The feeling is that of walking through a knightly tale or a fairytale. Cobblestone streets, palaces, stairways, and stone squares, leading up to the majestic towers that guard its centuries-old secrets.

In this article, I’ll guide you through what to see in San Gimignano, revealing its attractions, curiosities, unmissable itineraries, and many helpful tips to make your visit an unforgettable experience. And finally, a brief digression on the exquisite local wines, traditional dishes, and gastronomic products.

The historic center of San Gimignano

We are in the province of Siena, and San Gimignano is the perfect destination for a spring weekend. The medieval village majestically rises on a hill, surrounded by imposing walls and dominated by the iconic presence of its Towers.

Each tower was erected to symbolize the power and prestige of the noble families who once inhabited them: the taller the tower, the stronger its influence. This distinctive feature earned San Gimignano the title “City of the Magnificent Towers” and, in 1990, it was awarded the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To fully appreciate the beauty of San Gimignano, I recommend surrendering to the slow passage of time, strolling calmly to enjoy its priceless beauty. Let yourself be carried away by the cheerful chatter of visitors and the enticing smells that spread from the gastronomic shops throughout the village of the beautiful Towers.

Piazza della Cisterna

Passing through the Arco dei Becci, we find ourselves in Piazza della Cisterna, named after the public water cistern made of travertine, which has an octagonal shape and dates back to 1273.
We were enchanted by this square’s unique shape and felt transported back in time to the medieval period, with every detail perfectly intact despite the passing centuries.

The entire square is surrounded by noble residences, hotels, taverns, and shops. Two of the most distinctive Towers also stand here: La Torre del Diavolo and the Torri degli Ardinghelli, overshadowed by the towering Torre Grossa.

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Torri degli Ardinghelli

The two Torri degli Ardinghelli, located at the intersection of Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, are named after the Ghibelline Ardinghelli family, one of the most influential families in the city, known for their rivalry with the Guelf Salvucci family.

Built in the 12th century, they represent the period of greatest architectural splendor in San Gimignano, around 1199. They were lowered in 1255 due to a specific municipal ban.

The two towers, connected by a bridge since 1287, show significant differences: the one on the right is narrower and retains a more severe medieval appearance, with few openings and a loophole, while the one on the left has a wider structure with arched windows.

Piazza Duomo di San Gimignano

Piazza del Duomo di San Gimignano, in the Middle Ages, represented the center of the city’s religious and political life. The square’s name comes from the presence of the Collegiata since the 11th century, but the current appearance of the square dates back to the 13th century, during San Gimignano’s peak economic and political prosperity. During this time, the main public buildings were constructed, and the cathedral was moved with a new façade facing the Palazzo Comunale.

Today, the square has a slight slope and a brick floor. It is trapezoidal in shape, with the Collegiata façade on the west side, the Palazzo del Podestà with the Torre Rognosa and Torre Chigi on the opposite side. The Torri dei Salvucci tower from the north side, while the Torre Grossa stands on the south side.

Torre Rognosa

Torre Rognosa, also known as the Torre dell’Orologio or Torre del Podestà, is located directly in front of the cathedral façade and is the second tallest tower in San Gimignano, reaching nearly 52 meters. Built around 1200 and owned by the Gregori and Oti families, it earned its name for its historic role as a prison. It was frequented by those with legal problems or “troubles,” hence the name that has lasted to this day.
It is easily recognizable by the bell window at the top.

The Torre Chigi, to the left of the Torre Rognosa, doesn’t reach significant heights, but it is considered one of the most beautiful towers in the city.

Panoramic Points in San Gimignano

Besides climbing the Torre Grossa to see the village from above at 360°, there are other beautiful panoramic points in San Gimignano that are absolutely unmissable.
Following Via San Giovanni and leaving the Torre dei Cugnanesi behind, on the left, there is a panoramic point located on Via degli Innocenti. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view: you can admire the hills and vineyards stretching endlessly. In particular, at sunset, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.

Another notable panoramic point to admire the city of San Gimignano from above is from Rocca di Montestaffoli.
In recent years, Rocca Montestoffoli has been used for performances and concerts during the summer season, and contemporary artworks have recently been installed there.

Where to Stay in San Gimignano

We stayed at Hotel Graziano, located just outside the village, only a 5-minute walk from Porta San Giovanni.

We were truly impressed by the spectacular view from our room, despite being outside the city walls. Stepping onto the small balcony, we had the stunning skyline of the village unfolding before our eyes, beautiful by day and magical in the evening when all the San Gimignano Towers were illuminated!

The hotel is a charming and affordable 3-star, with rooms equipped with every comfort, a soft and cozy bed, a spacious shower, and a very rich breakfast. There is an unguarded but free parking area in front of the hotel.

Where to Eat in San Gimignano

On Saturday evening, we dined at Ristorante Le Vecchie Mura, a truly enchanting place carved into the ancient walls of the city. The menu features traditional Tuscan cuisine, with excellent wine selection and impeccable service. They also have a wonderful terrace, though it was still too cold to dine outside that evening. Nevertheless, we didn’t mind dining indoors as the atmosphere was warm and romantic.

We really enjoyed taking a walk through the deserted village after dinner, under the stars and the towering San Gimignano Towers. Definitely worth trying, both the restaurant and the after-dinner stroll!

On Sunday for lunch, we instinctively chose Osteria Enoteca “I Quattro Gatti”, just a few steps from the Torre dei Cugnanesi. We were lucky to find a table outside and enjoyed lunch on their magnificent terrace with a view of the rooftops of the village. It’s a place suitable for couples, friends, and families, with a professional yet relaxed environment, and once again, we received attentive and efficient service paired with a truly tasty menu.

I decided to try the Peposo, a traditional dish made with very spicy braised beef, which was a real taste revelation. The meat was of the highest quality and sourced from local farms. You can also order the famous Fiorentina steak!

We were very happy with our restaurant choices, and in both cases, we left the table very satisfied!

The Peposo from Osteria I Quattro Gatti in San Gimignano

Souvenirs from San Gimignano

Don’t forget to visit the local gourmet shops and wine stores scattered throughout the village to taste and purchase some fabulous specialties! San Gimignano offers an extensive selection of products that make great souvenirs to take home, and you won’t regret buying them. Here are a few suggestions:

Vernaccia Wine

This dry white wine is produced exclusively in the San Gimignano area and is famous for its unique flavor and its millennia-old history.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tuscany is renowned for its top-quality extra virgin olive oil, and San Gimignano is no exception. Look for locally produced extra virgin olive oil as a souvenir.

Cured Meats and Cheeses

You can find an excellent and varied selection of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses in the food shops around the town center. We stopped at one and had the chance to taste a delicious wild boar salami coated in whole peppercorns, very flavorful and unique! Paired with a bottle of Chianti Classico, it made a perfect souvenir to recreate the traditional Tuscan appetizer at home once we returned.

Typical Tuscan Sweets

Try the local desserts like Ricciarelli, Cantucci (usually served with Vin Santo), and Panforte. Delicious and representative of Tuscan culinary tradition.

With its quaint centre, San Gimignano is a Tuscan jewel that enchants the senses and nourishes the soul.
For an unforgettable weekend of slow tourism, San Gimignano is the perfect destination to dream, love and create memories that will last forever.
Near San Gimignano you can visit Volterra, the city of the Volturi and alabaster of Etruscan origin

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