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San Gimignano Travel Guide: 397 reviews and 1,208 photos
San Gimignano delle belle torri - of the beautiful towers - is how this mediaeval hilltop Tuscan town is known, a title well-deserved for stunning San Gimignano once possessed as many as 72 towers that pierced the sky like modern skyscrapers. Although only 14 of the 72 towers remain today, the town looks much the same as it has since its long gone apogee of the 13th century, with its towers still dominating the surrounding Tuscan skyline.
It is known that an Etruscan settlement was established on the site as early as the 3rd century BC. By the 10th century AD, the town was named San Gimignano after the bishop saint of Modena, Geminianus, who had defended it against the invading Huns in the 6th century AD. The town grew in importance with the establishment of Via Francigena, the road which cut through the town and transported pilgrims and Crusaders from as far as England to Rome, and then eventually to Jerusalem. With pilgrim traffic came commerce, prosperity and wealth, leading San Gimignano to declare independence from Volterra in 1199. In the following one and a half centuries, its inhabitants, the sangimignanesi, lived a golden age that saw rapid expansions and extravagant constructions. Its prominent families piled up wealth, but were split between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, supporters of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor, respectively, in their struggle for power. The rivalry between these families was not only political, but architectural as well: families built towers in competition with each other to assert their own power and dominance. It all came to an end with the plague of 1348, which wiped out the majority of San Gimignano's population. The town had no choice but to submit to Florence as it could no longer sustain its independence. However, it is this early decline that allowed San Gimignano to preserve its mediaeval character and architecture for us to admire to this day, and that made the whole town worthy of being listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
San Gimignano makes a perfect day trip from either Florence or Siena. A few hotels are also available for those wishing to stay longer who may be rewarded by sampling more of the city's numerous restaurants. Whether one passes by or stays here, San Gimignano is a must-see for anyone travelling through the Tuscan countryside.
Road Trip through Italy itinerary - May 2009:
Roma - Siena - San Gimignano - la Spezia - Portovenere - San Remo - Cannes - Portofino - Santa Margherita - Pisa - Roma
Reviews (30)
Fresh Produce!
Shopping
(2)
When the popular street market takes place in San Gimignano, the section at Piazza delle Erbe, off Piazza del Duomo, is... more travel advice
Views over the Tuscan Hills
Things to Do
(28)
With its hilltop location, San Gimignano is graced by unmatched views of the rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees... more travel advice
Artisanal Products of Tuscany
Shopping
(2)
The streets of San Gimignano are filled with artisanal shops selling intriguing items to bring back home. Most notable... more travel advice
Via San Matteo
Things to Do
(28)
The main thoroughfare north of Piazza del Duomo, Via San Matteo links the heart of the town with the northern gate,... more travel advice
Travelogues (2)
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Written Jun 21, 2009
8 photos
San Gimignano's Details
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Written Jun 21, 2009
8 photos
In the Streets of San Gimignano
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Skiing and BoardingLatest San Gimignano hotel reviews
- Il Colto
- 14 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Oct 6, 2012 - Hotel Villa San Paolo
- 98 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2013 - Hotel La Collegiata
- 21 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Oct 19, 2012 - La Cisterna Hotel
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Latest: May 7, 2013 - Relais Santa Chiara Hotel
- 200 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2013 - Hotel Villa Belvedere
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Latest: May 24, 2013 - Vecchio Asilo Hotel San Gimignano
- 236 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 24, 2013 - Agriturismo Poggio ai Cieli
- 6 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 25, 2013 - Il Lazzeretto
- 4 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 22, 2012 - Podere La Marronaia
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Latest: May 22, 2013 - Leon Bianco
- 205 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2013 - Casolare di Libbiano
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Latest: May 22, 2013 - La Mezzana Rossa
- 6 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Oct 19, 2009 - Poggioluglio Apartments
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Latest: Oct 7, 2012 - Hotel Bel Soggiorno
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Latest: Jan 21, 2013
Comments (4)
I so wanted to get here but ran out of time eye boggling my way around other places nearby! have to get back though! Youve got the place well captured here with great pics&excellent writeup!Imagine how amazing it mustve been when all 72 towers were up!
A hotel in SG is definitely the way to go! The day visitors are all gone by 5pm. Sunset on the towers is magic. Your page here brings back good memories. Thanks - leyle
Très belle page sur une ville qui m'avait d'abord un peu déçue. Je m'attendais (candidement) à 72 tours! Lors d'une seconde visite j'ai appris à l'aimer.
I opted to chill out in Siena the day I planned to see this town - my loss. Would have loved to climb Torre Grossa and be a mad shutter-happy tourist!