San Lorenzo in Ponte

San Gimignano


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Gimignano attractions

1. Galleria Continua

0.03 MILES

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…

3. Palazzo Comunale

0.1 MILES

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…

4. Collegiata

0.11 MILES

Parts of San Gimignano's Romanesque cathedral were built in the second half of the 11th century, but its remarkably vivid frescoes, depicting episodes…

5. Museo d'Arte Sacra

0.12 MILES

Works of medieval religious art from San Gimignano's key churches are on display in this modest museum. Particularly beautiful items made from precious…

6. San Gimignano del 1300

0.12 MILES

Youngsters love this handmade ceramic re-creation of the medieval city, complete with houses, streets, towers and people as they would have looked in 1300…

7. Torre e Casa Campatelli

0.13 MILES

Protected and opened to the public by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI), the Italian National Trust equivalent, this art- and antique-filled tower house…