Sights in San Gimignano
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Collegiata
The 13th-century Palazzo del Podestà and its tower, the Torre della Rognosa, look across to the town’s Romanesque basilica. Access is up a flight of steps. Its bare facade belies the remarkable 14th-century frescoes that stripe the interior walls like a vast medieval comic strip.
Along the northern aisle are frescoes of key moments from the Old Testament by Bartolo di Fredi. Opposite, covering the walls of the south aisle, the school of Simone Martini illustrates New Testament scenes. On the inside wall of the facade, extending onto adjoining walls, Taddeo di Bartolo probably scared the daylights out of pious locals with his gruesome depiction of the Last Judgment. The…
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Pinacoteca
From the internal courtyard of Palazzo Comunale, climb the stairs to the Pinacoteca, which features paintings from the Sienese and Florentine schools of the 12th to 15th centuries. In the main room, the great poet Dante addressed the San Gimignano’s council, urging it to support the Guelph cause. The room contains an early 14th-century fresco of the Maestà by Lippo Memmi.
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Galleria Continua
Housed in the city's old theatre, Galleria Continua shows its collection of contemporary art by famous artists at virtually every major international art fair. It rarely represents Italian artists, so why they've kept this peculiar location in San Gimignano is something of a mystery. Or maybe it's a trend. The new gallery is in Beijing. Exhibitions change approximately every two months.
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Palazzo Comunale
San Gimignano's other principal sight (in addition to the Collegiata), the Palazzo Comunale is the seat of secular power, founded in 1288, expanded in the 14th century and with a neogothic façade tacked on in the late 19th century. Climb up the palazzo's Torre Grossa for a spectacular view of the town and surrounding countryside.
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Museo Archeologico & Speziera di Santa Fina
The Museo Archeologico & Speziera di Santa Fina complex is home to San Gimignano’s small archaeological museum and a reconstructed 16th-century pharmacy and herb garden. There’s also a modern art gallery that in itself merits a visit.
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Palazzo del Podestà
In the Piazza del Duomo the Collegiata (basilica) looks across to the late-13th-century Palazzo del Podestà and its tower, the Torre della Rognosa. The Palazzo Comunale, right of the basilica, is the town hall.
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Museo del Vino
In an unmarked gallery just outside San Gimignano's fortress is Museo del Vino. A sommelier is usually on hand to lead an informed – and paid – tasting of some of the choice local white wines.
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Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
At the northern end of San Gimignano is the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino. Its main attraction is the fresco cycle in the apse by Benozzo Gozzoli, depicting the saint’s life.
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Piazza della Cisterna
The triangular Piazza della Cisterna, is named after the 13th-century cistern at its centre. The square is lined with houses and towers from the 13th and 14th centuries.
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Museo d’Arte Sacra
Across Piazza Pecori, the Museo d’Arte Sacra has some fine works of religious art, collected in the main from the San Gimignano’s churches.
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Rocca
The Rocca is the crumbling shell of the town's fortress with great views across the valley, a small playground - and not much else.
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Museo Ornitologico
Due south of the fort is the Museo Ornitologico. Its mournful collection of stuffed birds dates back to 1886 and looks it.
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Torre Grossa
Climb up Palazzo Comunale's Torre Grossa for a spectacular view of the town and surrounding countryside.
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