Step Back in History in San Gimignano

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A Medieval Town with an Unforgettable Skyline

San Gimignano, a small walled town in the province of Siena, is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Tuscany. Known as the “Town of Five Towers,” it boasts a skyline that has barely changed since the Middle Ages. Though once home to 72 towers, 14 still stand today, creating a dramatic silhouette against the rolling Tuscan hills. These towers were originally built by noble families, not just as a means of defence, but also as a show of power and prestige.

Unlike many other Tuscan towns, which saw their towers destroyed by the Florentines, San Gimignano managed to retain much of its original skyline. This has made it a rare and remarkable example of medieval urban architecture, earning the “Historic Centre of San Gimignano” a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1990.

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A Walk Through Time

A visit to San Gimignano begins at the town’s main square, Piazza del Duomo, once the heart of religious and political life. Here stands the Cathedral of San Gimignano, a Romanesque masterpiece with a surprisingly plain exterior. Inside, however, the walls are covered in well-preserved 14th-century frescoes, illustrating stories from both the Old and New Testaments. These frescoes, never restored yet still vibrant, were once used to teach religious lessons to the townspeople.

Nearby is Palazzo Comunale, the Town Hall, which houses a small museum featuring medieval frescoes that offer a glimpse into life in the 14th century. From here, visitors can climb Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano at 54 metres. The climb is well worth the effort, as it provides a breathtaking view of the town’s rooftops and the surrounding countryside.

Another important square is Piazza della Cisterna, named after the ancient well in its centre. This was historically the town’s commercial hub, lined with medieval buildings that once housed merchants and traders. Today, it remains one of the most beautiful spots in San Gimignano, perfect for sitting with a glass of wine and watching the world go by.

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Legends of the Towers

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Among the town’s many towers, some come with fascinating stories. The Devil’s Tower is named after a local legend claiming that its owner returned from a trip to find it taller than before, supposedly built up by supernatural forces. Meanwhile, the Salvucci Towers, a pair of striking twin structures, were built by a noble family eager to display their wealth. As city laws prevented any tower from exceeding the height of the Town Hall, they cleverly built two slightly shorter towers side by side, creating a combined height greater than the law allowed.

A Taste of San Gimignano

San Gimignano is not only famous for its architecture but also for its food and wine. The town is best known for Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp and refreshing white wine made from an ancient grape variety grown on the surrounding hills. This straw-yellow wine, with golden hues deepening with age, is the perfect match for local cheeses and meats.

For a true taste of the region, try Tuscan soppressata and finocchiona, two traditional dry-cured sausages. Soppressata is made from coarsely ground pork, while finocchiona is flavoured with fennel seeds and red wine. Another specialty is the Golden Ham, a dry-aged ham infused with saffron, one of San Gimignano’s most prized ingredients.

Before leaving, be sure to pick up some San Gimignano saffron, a spice that has been cultivated here since medieval times. Its deep colour and rich flavour make it a sought-after ingredient in traditional Tuscan dishes.

Getting There and Getting Around

San Gimignano is about a 45-minute drive or a two-hour bus ride from Florence. Driving is the best way to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside, though the town itself is pedestrian-only. Visitors must park in designated lots at the base of the hill, where electronic signs indicate available spaces. From there, an elevator takes you partway up, followed by a short walk into the historic centre.

Once inside, the best way to experience San Gimignano is simply to wander. Strolling through its narrow stone streets, in the shadows of medieval towers, offers a glimpse into a past where nobles fought for power, pilgrims rested on their way to Rome, and merchants traded goods in bustling squares.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

San Gimignano is 56 km from Florence. The most direct route by public transport is the bus from Florence (Piazza della Stazione) via Poggibonsi, taking around 90 minutes total. Buses run roughly hourly. By car, the drive takes 50-60 minutes via the Firenze-Siena superstrada, exiting at Poggibonsi Nord.

Parking is outside the town walls. The P1 car park at Porta San Giovanni has an elevator that takes you up to the historic centre. Parking costs €2 per hour or €6 for the full day. In summer, arrive before 10:00 to guarantee a space.

The combined ticket for Torre Grossa, the Civic Museum and the Collegiate Church costs €13. Individual tickets are available: €9 for the tower and museum, €5 for the church. The tower closes 30 minutes before sunset. Only 50 people are allowed up at a time, so expect a short wait in high season.

For lunch, avoid the restaurants directly on Piazza della Cisterna. Walk two minutes to Via San Matteo, where family-run trattorias serve ribollita, pici pasta and wild boar ragu at honest prices (€10-15 for a primo). Gelateria Dondoli on Piazza della Cisterna has won multiple world gelato championships — the queue is worth it.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. The golden hour light on the towers at sunset is extraordinary, and by 17:00 in summer, most coach parties have departed.

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