San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
San Gimignano is a town of extraordinary charm and historical significance, located in the heart of Tuscany, about 40 km north-west of Siena. It is a medieval town with famous towers that dominate the skyline. These magnificent buildings make the town very unique and quite different from other places in the region. For this reason, San Gimignano is sometimes called a medieval Manhattan, a testament to its striking vertical architecture.
The town is visited by lots of tourists, because everyone wants to see this interesting architecture, which has been remarkably preserved since the Middle Ages. Its unique historical center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990, a status that acknowledges its outstanding universal value. The towers, built as a symbol of power and wealth, are a tangible link to a bygone era.
Parking in San Gimignano
The town offers a number of good car parks, strategically located just outside the historical walls. There are options on the north side (1; GPS: 43.470965, 11.044916) and two on the south side (2; GPS: 43.462540, 11.041480 and 3; GPS: 43.464614, 11.041416), all of which are paid.
We chose the parking lot on the north side, then walked the alley next to the church of Sant'Agostino (A; GPS: 43.470755, 11.041886) from the thirteenth century, and Piazza S. Agostino (B; GPS: 43.470511, 11.041712), a peaceful square that offers a beautiful introduction to the town's atmosphere.
All the parking lots are situated a short walking distance from the town gates, making the historic center fully pedestrian-friendly. This setup is ideal for exploring the narrow streets and squares without worrying about traffic, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the medieval ambiance.
Toward the center of the town
We shortly walked the street Via delle Romite, then we walked more important street Via San Matteo, which leads to the center of the village. In the distance we saw some characteristic towers, which was a truly unforgettable sight.
They were built between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, during the town's golden age. At the beginning they played a function which could be called an "ultimate place of refuge," serving as both a defense structure and a symbol of power for the wealthy merchant families who owned them. Let's remember that the times were uncertain and wars or attacks were frequent.
However later, the towers building process has become something like a competition - rich citizens competed with each other, who makes a higher tower. It is believed that at its peak, San Gimignano had more than 70 of these towers, and today 14 of them still stand, offering a rare glimpse into the competitive spirit of medieval Italian city-states.
Piazza del Duomo
We reach the first interesting square - Piazza del Duomo (C; GPS: 43.467839, 11.043213), which serves as the religious and political heart of San Gimignano. The magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta di Siena from the twelfth century is located in this square, situated on the elevation with the stairs, giving it a majestic appearance.
Right next to the church there is an interesting town hall with a beautiful 54-meter tower Torre Grossa, which is the tallest of all the towers in the town. There is the possibility of climbing the tower, and from its top, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and the town's rooftops.
In the square we can also find another three towers and interesting Palazzo Vecchio del Podesta from the twelfth century. This central hub is a hive of activity and a perfect spot to admire the town's civic and architectural grandeur.
Parco della Rossa - an oasis of peace
Did you know that just nearby crowded streets and squares, practically in the very center of San Gimignano you can find a picturesque oasis of peace? From Piazza del Duomo just turn into the side street Via della Rocca and in a moment you are at the entrance to a nice park with lots of olive trees.
This place was once a fortress, and now only its walls remain, providing a historic frame for the serene garden. This is the highest point of San Gimignano, so you have beautiful views of the surroundings and the town itself.
It is really worth taking a break and coming here for a moment, leave behind the whole multilingual buzz of the town. This tranquil spot offers a moment of reflection and a chance to truly appreciate the breathtaking landscape of the Tuscan hills, dotted with vineyards and olive groves.
Piazza della Cisterna
We move from Piazza del Duomo to another square Piazza della Cisterna (D; GPS: 43.467439, 11.043773). We think that this is the most beautiful square in San Gimignano, surrounded by medieval towers and interesting buildings. In the middle of the square there is an octagonal travertine well (filled not with water but with coins) from the thirteenth century, from which it derives its name.
At the end of Via del Castello we can see Palazzo Tortoli (E; GPS: 43.467810, 11.045493) from the fourteenth century. We go down the street Via San Giovanni until we reach the southern borders of this beautiful town (F; GPS: 43.464912, 11.042618). Next we return the same way to the northern parking lot. If you park from the south, your route will be reverse. This scenic walk allows you to fully experience the medieval charm of San Gimignano's streets.
Gastronomy and Local Products
San Gimignano is not just about history and architecture; it is also a culinary paradise with a few world-renowned specialties. The most famous is undoubtedly Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine produced exclusively in this region. This wine was the first in Italy to receive the prestigious DOC designation and offers a unique, crisp flavor that perfectly complements local cuisine.
Another local treasure is saffron (Zafferano di San Gimignano), which has a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. This precious spice was once a key part of the town's thriving trade and is still used in many traditional dishes today. You can find it in local shops and restaurants, where it adds a rich flavor and beautiful color to pasta, risottos, and desserts.
When dining in San Gimignano, be sure to try local Tuscan specialties, such as pasta with wild boar sauce, pecorino cheese from nearby farms, and dishes featuring local truffles. Many of the restaurants in the town center offer a wonderful culinary experience, allowing you to pair these delicious dishes with a glass of Vernaccia wine, making your visit a true feast for all the senses.
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