"Oh yes, the town with all the towers" ...
... is frequently what people remember about San Gimignano, since its skyline is so unique. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, this walled Tuscan city was founded by the Etruscans. It became prosperous in the middle ages due to its location as part of the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgramage route between Rome and Canterbury. Then as many Tuscan cities, it experienced a decline after the Black Plague in the mid-14th century, but you'd never know it to visit it today.
San Gimignano has food and wine worth sampling, some significant frescoes from the renaissance, and lots of atmosphere. I'd spend at least half a day there.
Here are my recommendations:
- go on a cellar tour or just sample some of the local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano;
- eat something (try the risotto) made with locally grown saffron, or zafferano;
- visit the Duomo or Collegiata and Sant'Agostino, as well as the Town Gallery (inside the Communal Palace) for a taste of some famous Italian renaissance frescoes;
- if you're not going to make it to Volterra, go see the Etruscan artifacts in the Archaeological museum. The Etruscans were such an important part of Tuscan history and it's worth understanding a little of their culture.
- climb up to the fortress or Rocca, and enjoy the views from the terrace while sipping a glass of wine (next to the Museo del Vino);
- if you're there in June, check to see whether you'll be there during the medieval harvest festival, Ferie delle Messi.
As in most other Italian cities, my favorite thing to do in San Gimignano is wander, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere.
But be warned: San Gimignano is not an off-the-beaten-track sort of place. It is packed to the gills with tourists, including many who arrive in busloads. It's possible to get away from the throng - just follow the small streets away from the crowds.
Getting There:
- by car: from the Milano-Roma A1 autostrada, exit Poggibonsi Nord and follow the signs
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by train/bus: the train goes to Poggibonsi. From there, or from Siena or Florence, take a bus.
Photo by Sanjay
