San Gimignano

Access

The hamlet is easily accessible by car via the Florence-Siena highway (exit Poggibonsi Nord), from which it continues for about 12 km. The nearest railway stations are in Poggibonsi and Certaldo, while the reference airports are those of Florence and Pisa.

Introduction

San Gimignano is a charming hill town located in the heart of Tuscany, in the province of Siena, immersed in the typical landscape of the Sienese hills, among vineyards, olive groves and cultivated fields. Known the world over for its medieval towers that draw a unique skyline, the town boasts ancient origins and an extraordinary architectural and artistic heritage, so much so that in 1990 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A famous tourist and cultural destination, San Gimignano is a symbol of the Tuscan Middle Ages, capable of captivating visitors with the integrity of its historical centre and the timeless atmosphere that one can breathe there.

Description

The municipality of San Gimignano extends across the rolling hills of the upper Elsa Valley, at an average altitude of about 324 metres above sea level. The landscape is typically Tuscan, characterised by rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, vineyards (from which the renowned Vernaccia di San Gimignano is produced) and stone farmhouses. Numerous minor watercourses run through the surrounding countryside, which offers far-reaching panoramic views and an ideal environment for slow tourism and hiking.

The origins of San Gimignano date back to Etruscan times, as evidenced by some necropolis discovered in the surroundings, but it was in the Middle Ages that the town experienced its greatest splendour. Already in the 10th century there was a fortified urban settlement, but it was between the 12th and 14th centuries that the town experienced extraordinary growth thanks to its strategic position along the Via Francigena. Powerful merchant families built towers as symbols of prestige and wealth: there were originally 72, of which 14 remain today, including the Torre Grossa, the tallest at 54 metres. Political decadence and the plague epidemic of 1348 marked a slowdown in development, but it was precisely this decline that helped preserve the medieval urban core almost intact.

The economy of San Gimignano, historically linked to agriculture and trade, has seen a strong expansion of the tourism sector in recent decades. Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of the first Italian white wines to obtain DOC status in 1966 (and DOCG in 1993), remains one of the symbolic products of the area, alongside saffron and extra virgin olive oil. The economic fabric also includes small craft businesses, artistic workshops and activities related to hospitality and catering.

The local culture is deeply rooted in medieval tradition. In addition to the rich museum offer - which includes the Civic Museum, the Art Gallery, the Torture Museum and the one dedicated to Vernaccia - San Gimignano hosts important events such as the 'Ferie delle Messi', a historical re-enactment that brings to life 14th-century atmospheres with tournaments, costume parades and craft markets. Typical dishes include ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, grilled meats and traditional Sienese desserts.

San Gimignano is also a starting point for nature and cultural excursions: among the most popular destinations are the route along the walls, the paths through the surrounding countryside, the Via Francigena and the itinerary leading to the ancient Hermitage of Montespecchio. The Torre Grossa offers a 360-degree view of the Tuscan countryside, while the Parco della Rocca di Montestaffoli offers a quiet corner with suggestive views.