"Tourist drop" San Gimignano by BruceDunning

San Gimignano Travel Guide: 397 reviews and 1,208 photos

Long range view of the towers from the wall

This is a stop over for picture taking

The town is unindated with tourists and tourism. It may have been a nice place to visit before it got on the route for tour buses and then other strainerios coming to town.

the main square

Close up of tower in square

The square is nice to see-but hard to walk through the crowd. Cuganesi tower in background. There were a t one time about 60 towers; now 12 are left. They were constructed by individual owners of homes, and used to spy on neighbors and also to look in distance to be onguard of danger attacks from the enemies, and regional fiefdoms fighting for territory.

Park Avenue

Street leading into the square

The streets are well maintained and not traveled by tourists as much as near the square. This is Via San Giovanni and is one of the more populated with shops and tourists. the streets are very nice and clean, ad can stroll around, but be aware, do not get lost.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Pretty to see once
Cons:This is a staging drop off for tourists/busses- all over
In a nutshell:I would not care to go back there-too many tourists

Last visit to San Gimignano: Oct 2005
Intro Updated Nov 18, 2007
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Reviews (6)

compound for sleeping tourists - San Gimignano

On the way up there Off The Beaten Path (1)

There are some real nice places to see on the way up the winding road. Most are active farms, or B&B places to be able... more travel advice

Walking into the center from the parking area. - San Gimignano

Street Walking Things to Do (2)

It is pleasant to walk the streets and enjoy the architecture of buildings. At least I think so. Most date back to... more travel advice

chiesa in the square-Collegiate Church from 1148 - San Gimignano

Tourist Drop Off Things to Do (2)

In the middle where the main square is, there are people just milling around looking to find something to do. They take... more travel advice

Entry Fees Tourist Traps (1)

It seemed too expensive to enter both the tower and duomo. They were 7 eruo and 5 euro. We did not go in because from I... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Parking Charges

Transportation (1)
Parking in Special areas

Comments (7)

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balhannah Mar 15, 2013 at 12:01 AM

You had quite an experience in the parking lot. Glad you managed to get out!
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Jefie Jan 17, 2011 at 6:13 PM

We decided to skip San Gimignano and visited Siena instead, so it was interesting to see your pics and read your tips - it looks beautiful, but I think we made the right decision :o)
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travelgourmet Jun 19, 2010 at 1:35 AM

Bruce, I still would not drink from a well that collected water from the roof. In SG, the wine tasting rooms are more my style. Great restaurant a couple of doors off the main street called Ristorante Dorando. Not many tourists in March.
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christine.j Dec 1, 2009 at 10:26 AM

I remember the problems at the parking lot, luckily we had an Italian tour guide with us.
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cnango Nov 30, 2009 at 5:10 PM

Hi Bruce, I loved San Gimignano when I was there so it was cool to see your pics & read your tips. Did you go in the summer? After reading about the crowds you had I'm glad went off season. We had gr8 weather & the streets were empty.
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HORSCHECK Nov 21, 2009 at 11:52 AM

Bruce, excellent little page about San Gimignano, which I unfortunately missed on both my trips through the Tuscany.
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jumpingnorman Nov 19, 2009 at 1:26 PM

Parking really must be a nightmare here - but still a beautiful place despite the crowds. The old alleys/road from the 1300's look awesome.