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San Gimignano

As you crest the nearby hills, the 14 towers of the walled town of San Gimignano rise up like a medieval Manhattan. Originally an Etruscan village, the settlement was named after the bishop of Modena, San Gimignano, who is said to have saved the city from Attila the Hun. It became a comune (local government) in 1199, prospering in part because of its location on the Via Francigena. Building a tower taller than their neighbours' (there were originally 72) became a popular way for prominent families to flaunt their power and wealth. In 1348 plague wiped out much of the population and weakened the local economy, leading to the town's submission to Florence in 1353. Today, not even the plague would deter the swarms of summer day trippers, who are lured by a palpable sense of history, an intact medieval streetscapes and the enchanting rural setting.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout San Gimignano.

  • Church

    Collegiata

    Parts of San Gimignano's Romanesque cathedral were built in the second half of the 11th century, but its remarkably vivid frescoes, depicting episodes from the Old and New Testaments, date from the 14th century. Look out, too, for the Cappella di Santa Fina, near the main altar – a Renaissance chapel adorned with naive and touching frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio, depicting the life of one of the town's patron saints. These featured in Franco Zeffirelli's 1999 film Tea with Mussolini.

  • Museum

    Palazzo Comunale

    The 13th-century Palazzo Comunale has always been the centre of San Gimignano's local government; its magnificently frescoed Sala di Dante is where the great poet addressed the town's council in 1299 and its Camera del Podestà and Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) once housed government offices – now they are home to wonderful artworks. Be sure to climb the 218 steps of the palazzo's 54m Torre Grossa for a spectacular view over the town and surrounding countryside.

  • Gallery

    Galleria Continua

    It may seem strange to highlight contemporary art in this medieval time capsule of a town, but there's good reason to do so. This is one of the best commercial art galleries in Europe, showing the work of big-name artists such as Ai Weiwei, Daniel Buren, Antony Gormley and Mona Hatoum. Spread over four venues (an old cinema, a medieval tower, a vaulted cellar and an apartment on Piazza della Cisterna), it's one of San Gimignano's most compelling attractions.

  • Museum

    Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience

    San Gimignano's famous wine, Vernaccia, is celebrated at this museum and enoteca next to the rocca (fortress). Interactive exhibits on the 1st floor trace the history of the product and the surrounding land, and the ground-floor enoteca offers both tastings (tasting card €10 to €25, leftover credit refunded) and Vernaccia master classes. It's also possible to buy a glass of wine (€4 to €7) to enjoy on the terrace, which has a panoramic view.

  • Museum

    Polo Museale Santa Chiara

    There are three museums in this complex. The ground floor is home to a part-reconstructed 15th- to 18th-century pharmacy known as the Speziera di Santa Fina, which features shelves stacked with brightly painted ceramic jars and half-empty potion bottles. Next to it is an Archaeological Museum showcasing Roman finds, including tiny bronze figurines, etched mirrors and piles of brightly coloured mosaic tiles. Upstairs, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art features works by Italian artists.

  • Church

    Chiesa di Sant'Agostino

    This late-13th-century church is best known for Benozzo Gozzoli's charming fresco cycle (1464–65) illustrating the life of St Augustine. You'll find it in the choir behind the altar. Gozzoli also painted the fresco featuring San Sebastian on the north wall, which shows the saint protecting the citizens of San Gimignano during the 1464 plague. What makes the image highly unusual is that he's helped by a bare-breasted Virgin Mary; this symbolises her maternal love for humanity.

  • House

    Torre e Casa Campatelli

    Protected and opened to the public by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI), the Italian National Trust equivalent, this art- and antique-filled tower house was the home of the wealthy Campatelli family and has been preserved exactly as it was when its last resident, Lydia Campatelli, bequeathed it to the FAI in 2005. The main – and extremely compelling – reason for a visit is the 'Thousand Years of San Gimignano' audiovisual presentation about the history of the city (in English and Italian).

  • Museum

    San Lorenzo in Ponte

    The name of this 13th-century church refers to its original location next to a drawbridge ( ponte means bridge) leading to the bishop's castle. The drawbridge has long since gone, but the castle still stands (now empty, it has functioned as a monastery and as a prison). Inside, a cycle of recently restored frescoes depicts scenes of St Benedict and a large 15th-century fresco by Cenni di Francesco di Ser Cenni shows Christ in Glory with the Virgin and 12 apostles.

  • Museum

    Museo d'Arte Sacra

    Works of medieval religious art from San Gimignano's key churches are on display in this modest museum. Particularly beautiful items made from precious metals include crafted chalices and thuribles (censers); there are also some exquisitely embroidered textiles.