tourist attractions in san gimignano italy

12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in San Gimignano

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Lana Law Updated Jul 5, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A stroll through the historic streets of San Gimignano is one of the highlights of Tuscany . It's often visited on a day trip from Florence but it's also a destination worth settling in for a night or two.

The town owes its almost pristine medieval appearance to its location and neglect. At the height of the Middle Ages, the Via Francigena, which passes through San Gimignano, was the main route of pilgrims traveling to Rome. It was also the main trade route, useful for transporting the local saffron to profitable markets. When faster routes developed, San Gimignano declined, new building ceased, and it was all the inhabitants could do to prevent the collapse of old ones. So structures remained almost unaltered until recent restorations promoted by UNESCO, which named the town center a World Heritage Site , set about preserving them.

Despite its declining fortunes, San Gimignano still attracted important later Renaissance artists such as Domenico Ghirlandaio, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Benedetto da Maiano, whose works you'll see in its churches. The town's major attractions for tourists are the 13 towers that remain from the original 70 and give San Gimignano its distinctive skyline.

Find the best places to visit in this charming town with our list of the top attractions and things to do in San Gimignano.

1. Centro Storico: Piazza della Cisterna and Towers

2. santa maria assunta and piazza del duomo, 3. palazzo del pópolo and torre grosso, 4. sant'agostino, 5. san gimignano 1300, 6. casa campatelli and tower, 7. rocca montestaffoli, 8. city walls and gates, 9. museums of torture and the death penalty, 10. santa chiara museum (archeological museum and herbarium), 11. san iácopo, 12. pieve di cèllole, where to stay in san gimignano for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in san gimignano.

There is no doubt that the main appeal of San Gimignano is its medieval center, the Centro Storico , bristling with impressive old buildings and square towers that were both fortified homes and status symbols for the rival families that built them.

At the heart of this old center is little Piazza della Cisterna , the town's triangular main square, where you'll find a cluster of these towers: the stump of a tower on Casa Razzi, the remains of another on Palazzo Tortoli, the tall Torre del Diávolo (Devil's tower) on the Palazzo dei Cortesi, and the two Torri Ardinghelli on the west side.

The piazza's patterned brick pavement leads to Via del Castello, where you'll find more noble homes and towers. Overlooking Piazza del Duomo are the two Torri Salvucci , said to have been built for the purpose of bypassing the Communal Statutes of 1255 that limited towers to the height of the Podestà Tower. To show their superiority (and to annoy their rivals, the equally powerful Ardinghelli family) the Salvuccis supposedly built two whose combined height was taller than the Podestà.

One of the key tourist spots in San Gimignano is Piazza del Duomo, where you'll find the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Assunta.

The church was built originally in the 12th century, but in 1457, it was enlarged by Giuliano da Maiano, who added a transept and side chapels. The starkly plain facade faces the misleadingly named Piazza del Duomo ; this is not a cathedral and there has never been one in San Gimignano.

The best view of the square and the surrounding towers is from the steps of the church. This square is also an ideal resting and meeting spot, and the large staircase is a popular (and free) place to sit down and soak up the atmosphere.

Inside the church are several outstanding fresco cycles. On the entrance wall is a 15th-century fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli and two wooden statues of the Annunciation from the same period, by Iácopo della Quercia. In the right-hand aisle is a monumental 14th-century cycle by Barna da Siena, with three bands of New Testament scenes. Its counterpart in the left-hand aisle is a series of highly restored Old Testament scenes by Bártolo di Fredi.

The Renaissance Cappella di Santa Fina, by Giuliano and Benedetto da Maiano (1468) honors San Gimignano's patron saint, much revered for miracles. The altar, also by Benedetto da Maiano, holds a tabernacle with relief decoration and the remains of St. Fina. In the arcades on either side of the altar are frescoes by Doménico Ghirlandaio (1475) depicting the life and death of St. Fina.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano

To the left of Santa Maria Assunta is the Palazzo del Pópolo, begun in 1288 and enlarged in 1323. It has been the seat of municipal government since its construction.

Its tower, known as the Torre Grossa (Fat Tower), is the tallest in town at 54 meters; an early ordinance ruled that no other tower could be higher. From the top are views of the town and surrounding countryside as far as the Apuan mountains. If you don't want to walk up the tower, at least walk up to the balcony for views over the courtyard.

Inside is the Museo Civico (Municipal Art Gallery) , reached through a picturesque courtyard with a well dating to 1361. The most famous room is the Sala di Dante, named for a visit to the town by the poet in 1300 and decorated by a collection of medieval court frescos.

Highlights of the collection of artworks from the 13th to 17th centuries are a 13th-century painted crucifix by Coppo di Marcovaldo, Lippo Memmi's Madonna Enthroned , two round paintings of the Annunciation by Filippino Lippi, and an altar-piece painted by Pinturicchio in 1511. These three were among the artists who contributed to the renewal of San Gimignano during the Renaissance.

Official site: www.sangimignanomusei.it

At the northern tip of the old town near Porta San Matteo stands the church of Sant'Agostino, an aisleless brick church built between 1280 and 1298 in plain Gothic style. The interior, however, is far from plain. Immediately on the right of the entrance is the Cappella di San Bártolo , with an elaborate marble altar made by Benedetto da Maiano in 1494 and containing the remains of San Bártolo.

The main reason to go to this church, however, is the splendid cycle of 15th-century frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in the choir. Beautifully painted in a lively narrative style, they depict in 19 scenes the life of St. Augustine, from his boyhood in North Africa to his vision of St. Jerome and his death. For art lovers, this church is one of the most important things to see in San Gimignano. More frescoes are in the nave by Benozzo Gozzoli, Lippo Memmi, and others.

Through the sacristy are the 15th-century cloister and the chapter house. Piazza Sant'Agostino is one of San Gimignano's most interesting squares, with a hexagonal stone well and the little Church of San Pietro , one of the city's oldest.

Address: Piazza Sant'Agostino, San Gimignano

Although it is a history museum/exhibition, San Gimignano 1300 is a work of art as well. Its central feature is a large (27 square meters) scale model of the city as it appeared in 1300. The meticulously researched model is made of fired clay, which was sourced from nearby caves, and painted with natural pigments to ensure historically accurate colors.

Other miniature scenes recreate scenes of medieval street life and show details of the city's architecture. The buildings and authentically dressed figures are all created by hand from clay, marble, and marble dust.

Storyboards, multi-media, and other exhibits reveal the history of San Gimignano, its towers, and the importance of the Via Francigena. Everything in the museum was made by hand, a project that took two years to complete.

Address: Via Berignano 23, San Gimignano

Official site: www.sangimignano1300.com/eng/index_eng.html

In a city so wrapped up in its medieval history, it is interesting to see what life was like in the 1700s, long after the town's decline in importance but still centuries before its regeneration and UNESCO acclaim.

The 18th-century palazzo, rebuilt from a much earlier tower house complex by a prosperous Florentine family, was an upper-middle-class home. It retains both that appearance and the atmosphere as well, with original furnishings and family collections. Life in the palazzo is illustrated through a video projection, which also provides a history of the town and its legends and traditions.

The palazzo incorporates one of the town's famous medieval towers, in fact, the only one retaining its original interior form. It is completely hollow inside except for the balconies at each landing of the stairs leading to its top.

Address: Via S. Giovanni 15, San Gimignano

Official site: www.fondoambiente.it/torre-e-casa-campatelli-eng

Built against the town walls on the highest point of the hill is the rocca (castle), erected by the Florentines in 1353 but demolished in 1555 on the orders of Cosimo I. Only a tower and fragments of the walls survive, and from the top are magnificent views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Each year on the third weekend in June, a tournament, La Giostra dei Bastoni, is held here as part of the Ferie delle Messi, a medieval festival.

You can walk along the 13th-century walls surrounding San Gimignano's centro storico - historic center. The views are splendid and there are interesting gates, some original and others built by the Medici, who controlled the town in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The earlier Porta San Giovanni, built in the 13th century, has an unusual segmented arch supporting a guardroom; Porta San Matteo dates from the 12th century; and Porta delle Fonti at the east end leads to an atmospheric public fountain dating to the Middle Ages, whose arches hide an earlier Lombard stone fountain from the ninth century.

If iron maidens, racks, inquisition chairs, and guillotines sound like pleasant company for an hour or so, this pair of San Gimignano museums is for you. Although it may seem kitschy and a bit odd, the museum is quite informative and surprisingly enjoyable in a weird way.

The collection of actual historic artifacts in the Museo Storico della Tortura is impressive, and wax figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the torture devices in graphic detail.

One section deals with methods used to drive the devil out of those accused of heresy or witchcraft that were commonly used by the Inquisition Tribunal and in witch hunts of the Middle Ages, when such practices approached a fine art.

Part of the attraction here is the setting. Arched brick doorways and ceilings, and some below ground rooms with low ceilings make you feel like you are in an old dungeon.

The affiliated Museo della Pena di Morte deals with the death penalty and various means of execution. Here, the emphasis is a bit more on the history of the death penalty, but it has its share of gruesome lethal equipment. The settings of both museums are appropriately dark and grim.

Museo della Tortura

• Address: Via San Giovanni 125, San Gimignano

Museo della Pena di Morte

• Address: Via San Giovanni 82, San Gimignano

The former Conservatorio di Santa Chiara is home to the Archeological Museum and the Herbarium of Santa Fina. The latter is one of the most unusual museums you'll find in Tuscany, displaying more than 100 ceramic and glass pieces from the 14th-century Herb Pharmacy and Herbarium of the Spedale di Santa Fina.

These are shown in the setting of a reproduced pharmacy, where herbal remedies were prepared, and the shop where they were sold. Along with the containers are examples of the herbs used.

The adjoining Archaeological Museum shows Etruscan, Roman, and medieval finds from the area, with descriptions of the techniques used in making glass and pottery over different periods. The Etruscan collection comes from local necropolises and settlements dating from the seventh to first centuries BC. Upstairs is the Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery , which hosts temporary art exhibitions.

Address: Via Folgore, San Gimignano

Near the northern town gate of Porta San Iácopo and surrounded by olive trees, the little Romanesque Church of San Iácopo is believed to have been built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century on their return from the First Crusade. The façade, part brick and part travertine marble, has a beautiful rose window and a Pisan-style doorway on whose arched lintel is a coat of arms of the Templars.

The interior is aisleless, with groined vaulting, and contains a fine fresco of the Crucifixion by Memmo di Filippuccio, from the early 14th century. Like several other San Gimignano churches, San Iácopo had a hospice for the poor and for pilgrims traveling to and from Rome on the Via Francigena. The unusual enclosed space above the town gate was a passageway for nuns to reach the church in private.

Standing among the cypress trees on a hill about four kilometers northwest of San Gimignano, the Pieve - Parish Church - of the village of Cèllole was probably built at the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries, although a church there is mentioned from the beginning of the 12 th century.

The facade is plain, but the outside of the apse has rich figural carving. Inside is a beautiful baptismal font in travertine, and 14th-century frescoes.

Pieve di Cèllole lies along the Via Francegina, with panoramic views of San Gimignano and the countryside. This is a good point from which to walk a few kilometers along this historic pilgrimage route.

Below are some moderately priced lodgings in good locations, close to tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping in San Gimignano.

• Hotel Leon Bianco : Locations don't get any more central than this family-run hotel housed in a historic palazzo on Piazza della Cisterna. Rooms are air-conditioned, and breakfast is included.
• Hotel L'Antico Pozzo: The beautifully renovated historic building is inside the city walls, with spacious and stylishly furnished rooms, air-conditioning and free high-speed Internet; breakfast is included.
• La Cisterna : Some of the comfortable, simply decorated rooms have balconies with views over the city, and all have small refrigerators and air-conditioning. The hotel is close to shopping and places to see, and offers a breakfast buffet with gluten-free options.
• Hotel Bel Soggiorno : Modest but comfortable rooms, some with balconies overlooking the Tuscan hills, are air-conditioned, and the small hotel has its own restaurant.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Tuscan Hill Towns : Medieval hilltop towns are among the top-rated tourist attractions in Tuscany and are in fact among the best places to visit in Italy . All within an easy distance of each other are Arezzo , the former Etruscan town of Volterra, and Montepulciano , with its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Exploring Tuscan Cities : San Gimignano is in the province of Siena, which you can visit with the help of our handy articles, Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siena and Exploring Siena's Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: A Visitor's Guide . Not far north of Siena is Florence , with its magnificent cathedral and palaces, and to the west of San Gimignano is Pisa , home of the famous Leaning Tower.

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13 BEST Things to do in San Gimignano, Italy 2024 // The Manhattan of the 14th-Century

From climbing medieval towers to eating the 'best gelato in the world', here's what to see and do in san gimignano.

With a nickname as grandiose as the “Manhattan of the fourteenth century”, it’s no wonder that San Gimignano ranks among the top places to visit in Tuscany. Not only does it exude an undeniable charm that transports you back to a bygone era, but it’s also been honored with the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.

This medieval hilltop town will greet you with an exceptional architectural ensemble from the 1200s, with towering stone towers, red-bricked noble palaces, and perfectly preserved walls. As you wander through the winding streets and admire the views from atop one of the many lookout points, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a magical fairy tale.  

So, let’s explore the best things to do in San Gimignano and a top choice for a day trip from Florence .

Table of contents

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

Map of the best things to do in San Gimignano

13 best things to do in san gimignano.

• 4 Tips for visiting San Gimignano

How to get to San Gimignano from Florence

Despite its small size, San Gimignano’s charms and character make it a great place for exploration. As you meander through its beautiful streets, keep an eye out for hidden gems around every corner – you never know what you might stumble upon in San Gimignano, whether it’s a quaint building with a fascinating history or a charming gelateria serving the best gelato you’ve ever had! And not only does this town exude an undeniable charm that’ll transport you back to the 1300s, but it’s also been recognized by UNESCO with its coveted World Heritage status.

1. Climb the tallest tower in town – Torre Grossa

As the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” for its skyline filled with towers, one of the first things to do in San Gimignano is to explore this magnificent architectural heritage. These medieval skyscrapers were built by local families to flaunt their wealth and prestige. The taller the tower, the more important the owner was considered to be. In the 14th century, at the height of its prosperity, San Gimignano boasted 72 towers, but only 14 remain today. Among them, the Torre Grossa is the star of the show.

As the only tower open to the public, the Torre Grossa offers visitors a chance to climb its 218 steps and be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view from its towering height of 54 meters (177 feet). Initially built in the 13th century as a watchtower, it has since become a beloved town symbol. 

The climb to the top is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by walls two meters thick that have withstood the test of time. At the summit, you’ll be greeted with sweeping vistas that stretch as far as the Apuane Alps and the Chianti vineyards.

How to visit:  Torre Grossa is on Piazza Duomo and is open every day from 10 AM to 7:30 PM between April and October, and from  11 AM to 5:30 PM between November and March. Tickets cost €9 (or €7 for kids between 6-17 and adults over 65).

Watch your head as you reach the viewing area

2. Sleep in a medieval tower 

If you’re looking for a memorable experience in San Gimignano that goes beyond just climbing to the top of a tower, then how about sleeping in an authentic medieval tower from the 1100s? 

The  Salvucci Maggiore Tower , at an impressive 42 meters high, is the only historic tower in town that’s still habitable. It’s located in the heart of the historic center and once belonged to a family of rich spice and fabric merchants. Originally reaching a height of nearly 52 meters, local authorities later imposed a law that no other tower could be higher, causing the tower to be cut down to its current height of approximately 40 meters.  

Today, the tower is divided into 11 floors, each no bigger than 12 square meters and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. But the real highlight is the stunning panoramic terrace at the top, which provides the perfect setting for dining under the Tuscan sky. With 143 steps connecting the floors, you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience vertical living in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Check availability and book your stay here.

3. Admire famous fresco cycles at Palazzo del Popolo

Upstairs, the Chamber of Podestà hides a sensational group of frescoes by the talented Memmo di Filippuccio that capture amusing scenes of profane love. But that’s not all. On the same floor, visit the town’s Pinacoteca, which boasts an impressive collection of painted panels by some of the most celebrated Sienese and Florentine artists from the 13th to the 15th century, including Filippino Lippi, Benozzo Gozzoli, Pinturicchio, and Taddeo di Bartolo. 

How to visit:   Palazzo del Popolo is on Piazza Duomo and is open every day from 10 AM to 7:30 PM between April and October, and from  11 AM to 5:30 PM on Monday-Friday and from 11am to 6pm on Saturday-Sunday between November and March. Tickets cost €9 (or €7 for kids between 6-17 and adults over 65).

4. Visit the Duomo (Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta)

Also called Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, the  Duomo of San Gimignano  stands out as a masterpiece of artistic expression. As you step inside, you’ll be struck by grand walls adorned with breathtaking frescoes depicting the timeless stories of the Old and New Testaments. These masterpieces were painted by renowned artists from the fourteenth-century Sienese school, showcasing their unparalleled skill and creative vision. 

What’s truly astounding about these works of art is that they never really underwent any restoration work, except for a bit of cleaning for the movie “Tea with Mussolini” by Franco Zeffirelli, which was partly shot in San Gimignano. So, what you see today are the same colors and vividness they had when they were painted in the 1300s. This may be due to the fact that the side windows remained closed, thus limiting the amount of light and potential damage. 

Santa Fina Chapel

Look for the little chapel dedicated to the town’s cherished saint, Santa Fina, an exquisite Renaissance masterpiece that also saw the hand of Domenico Ghirlandaio. If you have time, visit the Museum of Sacred Art nearby, showcasing an impressive collection of paintings on wood and canvas, sculptures, bas-reliefs, fabrics, and silver objects from the churches and convents in the region. Among the museum’s most prized possessions is the stunning wooden painting by Bartolo di Fredi, depicting the Madonna of the Rose, considered one of his most sophisticated works. 

How to visit: The Cathedral of San Gimignano is located in Piazza delle Erbe and has different opening times depending on the day of the week and the season, so be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information. Entrance is priced at €5 for adults and €3 for kids between 6 to 18, as well as students and invalids. Children under 5 and persons with disabilities can enter for free. Tickets include an audio guide in various languages.

5. Have a glass of Vernaccia

This exquisite white wine is made from the Vernaccia grape, which is unique to San Gimignano and dates back to the 13th century. So significant is its heritage that it is the only wine mentioned by none other than Dante Alighieri in his Divine Comedy! 

The Vernaccia is characterized by its crispy and intense flavor profile, and its vibrant yellow hues are sure to catch your eye. There are two varieties to try: the Riserva, which is processed for an extended period of time, resulting in a structured and strong taste, and the d’Annata, that’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter and more vibrant wine. 

The town’s medieval streets are dotted with cute wineries that offer you a chance to grab a glass of their famous Vernaccia, which you can also sip it on the go while exploring one of the scenic viewpoints around town. For a truly authentic and immersive experience, you can consider visiting a family-owned winery in San Gimignano  to see the vineyard, indulge in a delightful tasting session and savor a lovely lunch that perfectly complements the flavors of the wine.

6. Visit Galleria Continua – a cinema-turned-contemporary art gallery

As you meander through the quaint, narrow alleyways of this picturesque town, you’ll stumble upon a unique space of modern art that’s earned global acclaim:  Galleria Continua . This prestigious gallery, housed in a former cinema, was established in 1990 by three friends who shared a passion for contemporary art and sought to create a platform for dynamic dialogue and creative fusion between different cultures and geographies.  

Since then, Galleria Continua has expanded its reach to seven locations across the globe, showcasing the works of some of the most illustrious artists of our era, such as Ai Weiwei and Michelangelo Pistoletto. With a revolving roster of exhibitions, it’s worth checking their  website  before your trip to San Gimignano to see what’s on display during your visit. You never know what extraordinary showcase of art you might be able to visit.

How to visit: Galleria Continua website says thats it’s open Monday to Sunday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm and to book your visit, you can send an e-mail or fill in the booking form on their website. However, when I visited, I didn’t need to book ahead or send an email, I walked right in. There are also two entrances: Via del Castello 3 and Via del Castello 11 (located right in the piazza). This second address was closed so perhaps this is the one mentioned on the website.  

7. Relaz in Piazza della Cisterna

Dating back to the 13th century, the piazza was built at the intersection of two main roads, Via Francigena and the road between Pisa and Siena, and boasts a unique triangular shape, adding to its allure. What’s more, it has retained its original medieval layout, giving you a glimpse into the past when it served as the town’s marketplace.  

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! For those with a taste for the dark, visiting the  Torture Museum  is a must. Here, you’ll find a collection of exhibits that offer a glimpse into the dark and fascinating world of crime and punishment during the Middle Ages. The museum is open daily 10am – 5pm, however, during winter it’s only open on the weekends.

8. Take a picturesque stroll with a historical twist at Rocca di Montestaffoli

A delightful walk uphill from Piazza delle Erbe leads to the Rocca di Montestaffoli. This area was owned by the bishop of Volterra in the early Middle Ages and served as a hub for local trade. Today, you can see the remains of the fortress that the Florentines built in 1353 after the people of San Gimignano offered their city in exchange for protection following the devastating epidemic and famine of 1348. 

Although the once magnificent fortification now only exists in fragments, visiting the site remains a delightful thing to do in San Gimignano. You can take a stroll or enjoy a picnic while basking in the breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Rocca di Montestaffoli is also a hub for cultural activities, ranging from concerts and outdoor cinemas to historical reenactments. In particular, the town’s famous La Giostra dei Bastoni tournament occurs here every year on the third weekend in June as part of the Ferie delle Messi medieval festival. 

The site is also home to the  Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience , a center dedicated to the town’s beloved wine, where you can indulge in tastings while enjoying the serene ambiance of the Tuscan countryside.

9. Explore the life of the Tuscan bourgeoisie in the 18th century at Casa Campatelli

The  Torre e Casa Campatelli  offers a welcomed break from the town’s medieval charm by taking you on a journey through time to the 18th century. This historical gem was once the residence of the Campatelli family, prominent Florentine entrepreneurs and landowners who transformed a medieval complex into a lavish bourgeois abode. The great thing about this site is that it’s immaculately preserved, exuding the same grandeur and sophistication that it did centuries ago.

Casa Campatelli boasts a rich tapestry of narratives that embody the opulence and charm of Tuscan middle-class life during a bygone era. A video projection recounts the captivating history of San Gimignano while original artifacts and furnishings immerse you in the daily lives of the former occupants. The palace features one of the few remaining towers in San Gimignano. Inside, the space is completely hollow except for the beautiful balconies that grace each landing of the stairs. 

How to visit : Torre e Casa Campatelli is located in Via S. Giovanni 15. Check the website for the opening times.

10. See an unusual fresco in the Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte

This little Romanesque jewel was constructed in 1240 and got its name from its proximity to a drawbridge that once provided access to Piazza della Cisterna. Look at the small portico on the left side of the church: it shelters what remains of a beautiful fresco that’s believed to be the work of Simone Martini during his youthful years.

How to visit : the Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte is in Via S. Stefano 8, a 2-minute walk from Piazza della Cisterna. Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week and season. To get the most accurate information, be sure to check the church’s website . The admission fee is €9 for adults and €7 for kids aged 6 to 17 and adults over 65. Children under 6, residents, and persons with disabilities can enter for free.

11. Admire Benozzo Gozzoli’s masterpiece in the Church of Sant’Agostino

The main highlight of this lovely single-aisled church is the breathtaking display of cycle frescoes painted by the renowned artist Benozzo Gozzoli, who arrived in San Gimignano seeking refuge from the plague that hit Florence in 1463. Painted with intricate details and in a great narrative style, these frescoes showcase scenes from the life of St. Augustine and are considered Gozzoli’s most prestigious work. Another notable artwork adorning the church is Lippo Memmi’s  Madonna and Child with Archangel Michael and St John the Baptist , which is believed to be one of the oldest frescos in town (1317). 

12. See what the city looked like in the Middle Ages at San Gimignano 1300

The main attraction is a stunning 27-square-meter scale model that faithfully recreates the town as it looked back in the 1300s. It’s a marvel of craftsmanship, meticulously researched and entirely handmade using clay sourced from nearby caves. Natural pigments were used to create historically accurate colors, resulting in an impressive artwork that showcases the city’s medieval street life and architecture, including its original 72 towers. The model also provides excellent reference points, making it a must-see during your visit.

How to visit: San Gimignano 1300 is located in via Costarella 3 and is open every day from 10am to 5pm (6pm between May and November). Tickets can be purchased at the town’s tourist office.

13. Taste the world’s best gelato in San Gimignano

Gelato here is made from the freshest milk from nearby farms. Besides the usual suspects, you can expect flavors that are out of the ordinary, such as the Crema di Santa Fina with saffron and pine nuts, or the Champelmo with a tangy twist of pink grapefruit and sparkling wine. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the white chocolate infused with Grand Mariner. You’ll also find a series of gelato-making classes catering to kids and adults and leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this beloved Italian dessert.

How to visit : Gelateria Dondoli sits in Piazza della Cisterna 4 and is open every day from 9am to 6pm.

4 tips for visiting San Gimignano

Despite being a small town, San Gimignano offers many activities and sights, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Florence. To fully enjoy everything the town has to offer, plan to spend the day here and take your time exploring. In addition to its well-known highlights, Sam Gimignano is also home to charming corners filled with intriguing stories and fascinating facts. 

This enchanting medieval town attracts visitors from all over the country, making it a popular destination year-round, especially during the sunny summer months. To avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit, try planning your sightseeing early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This way, you’ll have more time and space to take in the charming historical landmarks without the crowds.

If you plan on seeing all the main sights, consider purchasing the  San Gimignano Pass , which grants access to the circuit of the Civic Museums (including Palazzo Comunale, Torre Grossa, and Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte) as well as to the museums of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The pass costs €13 for adults and €10 for children between the ages of 6 and 17.

If you want to experience San Gimignano to the fullest and miss nothing, you might want to join this private walking tour in San Gimignano  led by a knowledgeable local guide or try a fun  Tuscan cooking class  to take your cooking skills to the next level.

San Gimignano is conveniently located between Florence and Siena, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The best part? There are various modes of transportation to get there, whether you prefer to drive or sit back, take public transport or relax on an organized tour.

By car 

When you arrive, you’ll find four car parks available, with rates ranging from €1.50 per hour to €15.00 for the entire day. These car parks are outside the town center, as no traffic is allowed within the city walls. However, a convenient bus line, Line 1, connects the car parks to the center for just €1.20 one way. For more information, visit the  San Gimignano parking page on the town’s website  

By public transport

If you’re traveling to San Gimignano by public transport, taking the bus is your best option. The Autolinee Toscane bus line  131  departs from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella bus depot near the train station and takes you to Poggibonsi, where you can catch bus  130  to San Gimignano. Remember you’ll have to purchase your ticket from the machine before boarding and validate it on the bus. The overall journey takes around two hours and is perfect for budget-conscious travelers. However, keep in mind that bus timetables can be unpredictable at times, so it’s essential to double-check the schedule beforehand.

San Gimignano doesn’t have a train station; the nearest one is Poggibonsi. If you’re up for the adventure, take a  Trenitalia  train from Florence to Poggibonsi. Then, make your way to San Gimignano by bus  130  from the bus stop right outside the station. However, be warned that this option requires a good dose of patience and flexibility, as you may experience delays along the way and you’ll also need to factor in the time to buy your bus tickets at the ticket machine before boarding the bus.

By guided tour

Another great option is joining a guided tour of San Gimignano from Florence, so you won’t have to worry about buying tickets, figuring out timetables, or navigating unfamiliar roads. Instead, you can sit back and enjoy the scenic journey in air-conditioned comfort, knowing that someone else is taking care of all the details. Plus, you’ll have a local guide who will share with you a wealth of insider knowledge and tips about San Gimignano. There are lots of options to choose from. If you’re a wine lover, consider taking a  full-day tour to the picturesque Tuscan countryside with stops also in Siena and the Chianti hills. Or if you prefer to see multiple Tuscan highlights in one day, join this small-group tour  or  this private  day-trip tour that includes San Gimignano along with other must-see destinations.

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Top Attractions In San Gimignano, the Tuscan Town Of Beautiful Towers

San Gimignano is a romantic glamor girl of Tuscany. It’s one of Italy’s best preserved and most beautiful medieval villages.

As you stroll San Gimignano’s cobbled lanes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.

Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is famous for its “Bella Torres” or “Beautiful Towers.”

The walled town known for its striking skyline of 14 honey-colored towers.

But there’s more to this town than just its towers. Art enthusiasts will find plenty to admire here, including fresco cycles by early Renaissance masters.

The town’s beauty is so remarkable that it almost resembles a stage set, a quality that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

In this guide, I take you through the top attractions in San Gimignano and provide helpful tips for your visit. And for those struggling with the pronunciation, it’s San-Jee-Menn-Yay-Noh.

Mini History of San Gimignano

San Gimignano has a rich history that stretches back to the ancient Etruscans, long before the rise of Ancient Rome. It gained prominence as a key stop on the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route stretching from Rome to Canterbury.

This influx of pilgrims boosted the local economy, particularly in the saffron and wine trades, enabling the town’s merchants and patrician families to accumulate wealth. To display their newfound prosperity and influence, they began the trend of building tall towers.

However, San Gimignano’s growth was dramatically cut short by the Black Death in 1348. The town suffered greatly from successive waves of plague and famine, leading to its decline into obscurity.

It wasn’t until Florence took over the weakened town in 1354 that its fortunes began to change. San Gimignano eventually resurfaced as a popular tourist destination in the 19th century.

Today, San Gimignano is world-renowned for its stunning array of towers. Despite its small size, this feature has whimsically earned it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan,” a title that might be a bit overstated but adds to its unique charm.

And yet, San Gimignano does have a sense of mad verticality. 14 towers still remain standing in San Gimignano.

There’s a long history explaining San Gimignano’s architectural eccentricity. The towers are a vestige of a time when there was no centralized form of government in most of Europe.

Oligarchs were the norm. Towns were organized as urban feudal societies, with wealthy merchants effectively ruling.

These aristocrats wanted to flaunt their power and money. But there was no room for great palaces. The only way to build was vertically. So they built “tower houses.”

At one time, in the 12th and 13th centuries, there were more than 70 towers in San Gimignano.

Wealthy families competed to see who could built the tallest tower. Their motto was the higher the tower, the greater the power.

Yet these vanity towers weren’t exactly fancy. There were wooden stairs (no way to install elevators now). The ground floor held workshops. The second level was the living quarters. Kitchens were located on the top floor.

Sometimes families built their tower houses near each other. The clusters were connected by porches.

Eventually, zoning ordinances were passed, proclaiming that nothing could be taller than Torre Grossa, the tower connected to City Hall.

Some of the towers were cut down. What’s left is a testament to the palpable history of that ancient world.

What To See & Do in San Gimignano

1. historic center.

The historic center of San Gimignano is stunning. One main path through town links the gates at both ends.

You can walk from one to another in about 10 minutes. But you may want to book a 2 hour guided walking tour to get an overview of the town’s history and top attractions.

The central square is the Piazza del Duomo.This piazza is where most of San Gimignano’s historic attractions are all jammed together in a compressed urban setting.

You’ll be enveloped by seven towers, including the two tallest — Torre Grossa and Torre Rognosa.

Piazza della Cisterna is San Gimignano’s other main square. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. It’s named for the well in its center, an ancient device that collected rain water for the citizens. Nowadays, it serves as a wishing well.

Rustic-yet-proud medieval facades rise in a tight huddle around the well. During high tourist season, the square is dotted with chairs and tiny tables and shops display their wares.

There are plenty of shops to purchase saffron, olive oil, gelato, or Vernazza and Chianti wines.

Gelateria Dondoli is a well known and very popular shop, ranked one of the best gelatarias in Italy.

Piazza della Cisterna is also where San Gimignano’s Thursday and Saturday markets are held. The piazza has been used as a filming location for a few movies, including Zefferelli’s Tea With Mussolini.

Just round the corner from Piazza del Duomo is Piazza delle Erbe. There, you’ll find a small marketplace and two more tall towers – the Torri dei Salvucci.

The Salvucci family built these towers to show dominance over the town’s mayor, who owned Torre Rognosa.

Instead of one tower, the Salvucci built two. And both towers were taller than Torre Rognosa. Outraged, the mayor ordered that the Torri dei Salvucci be trimmed down so that it was shorter than Torre Rognosa.

2. San Gimignano Cathedral

In the Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find the 11th century Duomo of San Gimignano.

It’s called the Collegiate Church of Santa Mary of the Assumption and nicknamed the Duomo or the Colegiata. It’s the best thing to do in San Gimignano, a treasure chest of art.

Completed in 1163, the Duomo is a beautiful (mostly) Romanesque church. It’s austere on the outside with a feast of frescos on the inside.

The interior has a richly painted nave with striped arches and rather abstract Romanesque capitals.

Most people don’t venture inside. But you definitely should. The frescos are as much of a draw in San Gimignano as the towers.

The Duomo boasts some of the most important paintings of the Middle Ages.

The frescos were painted by Early Renaissance luminaries such as Ghirlandaio, Benozzo Gozzolli, and Taddeo di Bartolo. The cathedral is rather dark. But the frescos are lit by artificial light.

As is typical of the 14th century, New Testament subject matter is on one side of the cathedral and Old Testament subject matter is on the other.

The comic book type frescos are sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s bible.” They helped the citizens relate to Jesus.

Ghirlandaio Frescos

In the Chapel of Saint Fina, there are some excellent paintings by early Renaissance master Ghirlandaio , who was Michelangelo’s teacher. The chapel was one Ghirlandaio’s first known commission, painted in 1477-78.

The frescos depict airy scenes of the life and death of the pious Saint Fina. Fina is the patron saint of San Gimignano, with a tragic made for TV life story.

The girl was sick for 10 years, passing time on a board in mystic devotion and without complaint. Legend holds that when she died, yellow viola flowers blossomed from the board and other miracles occurred.

Barna da Siena Frescos

There’s also a violent and rather sinister fresco cycle in the Duomo, typical of the school of painting after the Black Death.

As I mentioned above, because San Gimignano was located on the pilgrim route, it was decimated by plague time and time again.

The three bands of post-Black Death frescos were reputedly painted by the mysterious Sienese painter Barna da Siena. Siena allegedly fell to his death from scaffolding while painting the frescos. As a result, the frescos are sometimes considered cursed.

You read the frescos from right to left (which is unusual). In their emotive characters, the frescos were clearly influenced by Giotto , the greatest painter of the 14th century.

The better executed frescos are the ones with a darker subject matter. Just look at the malignant and shifty expressions on the face of Judas in the Pact of Judas and The Kiss of Judas . The most graphic image is the apocalyptic Crucifixion .

Di Fredi Frescos

The Old Testament scenes on the other side of the nave were painted by Bartolo di Fredi. These paintings are signed and dates, so there’s no mystery of who painted them.

At the entrance wall of the cathedral, there are more creepy-dark frescos by Bartolo’s son, Taddeo, dated 1394. It’s a terrifying Last Judgment scene.

The hell imagery is scorching. All the sinner are punished in horrible ways.

Gozzolli Painting

Finally, there’s a beautiful painting of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian Benozzo Gozoli.

This is the same artist who painted a private chapel for the Medici family in Florence’s Medici-Ricardi Palace .

Carrying through the dark theme, St. Sebastian has a huge number of arrows sticking out of his body. But he does, at least, smile.

The entrance fee for the Duomo is 16 euros. It includes a 20+ minute audio guide, which help you appreciate the church.

3. Palazzo Comunale | Palazzo del Popolo

This late 13th century palazzo is the seat of the Town Hall. This must visit attraction is also known as the Palazzo del Popolo. There’s also an adjacent public loggia that’s comparable to the Loggia dei Lanza in Florence .

The palazzo is Romanesque in style, belfried and balconied. The facade has arched windows.

The bottom half is stone and the top half is brick. The palace has a beautiful courtyard filled with frescos.

The upper floors of the palace houses the town’s Civic Museum . If you’re short on time or not a fan of Early Renaissance art, these museums are skippable. The Duomo eclipses them in terms of the quality of art.

The Civic Museum’s painting collection includes minor works by Pinturricchio, Filippino Lippi, and other 13th to 15th century painters from the Florentine and Sienese schools.

The museum’s highlight are two important rooms: the Camera del Podesta (Room of the Mayor) and the Sala Dante.

The Camera has allegorical frescos from 1306 painted by Memmo de Filippuccio. They depict Scenes of Married Life .

The tales of love are didactic, showing realistic scenes of both sacred (marital) and profane (illicit) love. You’ll see racy scenes of couple bathing together and hopping into bed naked.

The Sala Dante is named after the famous poet who stayed there. The walls are covered in frescos by Lippo Memmi, who was the son of Memmo. There’s an especially majestic Virgin and Child .

4. Climb Torre Grossa

If you like to climb things, you can climb the Torre Grossa adjacent to the City Hall for spectacular views. It’s one of the best things to do in San Gimignano.

At 200 feet, this is San Gimignano’s tallest tower, dating from 1311. Legend holds that Dante lived in this tower while in San Gimignano.

Climbing the tower is not for the faint of heart though. The 218 cantilevered steps zig and zag as you head to the roof.

The steps are fairly steep at the top and you have to watch your head sometimes. At the very end, you climb a steep ladder to reach the top.

If you don’t want to climb the ladder, there are views on the floor below. But I thought the the views are worth the hike and medieval vertigo.

5. Climb Torre Salvucci

The twin Salvucci towers are now available for rent as an Air Bnb.

When they’re not rented, you can climb the 143 steps for more views.

6. Fortress of Rocca of Montestaffoli

If you need a break from the crowds head up to the 14th century ruins of the Rocca Fortress. It’s a 5 minute climb from the Piazza del Duomo. And a much easier climb than Torre Grossa.

La Rocca is the ruins of a fort that once guarded the town. As befitting a medieval fortress, it looks architecturally ferocious.

The Florentines erected the fortress when they took over in 1353. In 1555, it was demolished on the orders of Cosimo I de Medici. Only a tower and fragments of the walls survive.

The Rocca is mostly just a shell, used as a venue for concerts and the like. Inside there’s a thick tower in the far corner that you can climb for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

7. Church of Sant’Agostino

The 13th century Sant’Agostino is directly uphill from the cathedral. It’s the second largest church in San Gimignano. Like the Duomo, it has a simple exterior and an elegantly decorated interior.

The main reason to visit the church is the Benozzo Gozzoli frescos in the choir behind the high altar. The frescos depict the life of Saint Augustine.

There’s also a Gozzolli fresco of Saint Sebastian, a saint who (like the town itself) was plagued with bad fortune.

The cycle of St Augustine is a favorite theme of Tuscan narrative art from the mid 14th century. This cycle pairs with the fresco cycle of the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca in Arezzo and the Passion Pulpit and Resurrection Pulpit by Donatello in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence .

8. Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte

If you want to complete the fresco trail in San Gimignano, you should pop into this small church. It has a large fresco cycle depicting an enthroned Christ with Mary and the apostles.

9. Other Museums in San Gimignano

If you’re in San Gimignano for more than one day, there are some other museums you can put on your itinerary.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum is located in the Santa Chiara Complex.

It has a collection of artifacts from San Gimignano, including some Etruscan and Roman pieces. There are mostly everyday items on display, like funerary urns, necklaces, ceramics, and metal mirrors.

The Herbarium of Santa Fina is also part of the Archaeological Museum. It’s a partial reconstruction of a medieval pharmacy. It gives you a sense of the potions that were popular in the Middle Ages.

Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery

This small museum showcases avant garde art, mostly by local artists. It also has a temporary exhibition space, where you will find works by more famous artists.

Torture Museum

The Museo della Tortura is inside the Torre della Diavola. If you like a grisly museum, this is your place. Medieval torture was used both to extract confessions and to punish the convicted prior to execution.

The Torture Museum displays a nasty toolkit of medieval artifacts — iron maidens, racks, spiked inquisition chairs, and guillotines. The accompanying scientific descriptions are written in a matter of fact detached manner, which adds to the creepy atmosphere.

They explain precisely how these instruments were used on people. Wax figures also demonstrate the effectiveness of the torture devices in graphic detail.

If you don’t have a high tolerance for disgusting things, you may want to cut short your visit. Even if you do have a strong stomach, the museum may seem shocking.

Museum of Sacred Art

The Museum of Sacred Art adjoins the Duomo. It’s a small museum that houses a collection of religious art.

There’s beautiful courtyard and stairway. The museum is included in a combination ticket with the Duomo.

There are frescoes by Bartolo di Fredi, Benozzo Gozzoli, Taddeo di Bartolo, and Barna da Siena, and Ghirlandaio. The highlight of the museum is the fresco of the Madonna and Child by Bartolo di Fredi.

10. Torre e Casa Campatelli

The Casa Campatelli is an 18th century palazzo. It was rebuilt around a 12th century medieval tower house complex by a prosperous Florentine family, the Cammpatellis.

The family purchased the structure and converted it into an upper middle class home. The palazzo is now a museum, with its the original furnishings and art collections intact. There are some Montelupo ceramics and paintings by Guido Peyron.

A video projection gives you an overview of the palace, a nice snapshot of daily life in the 18th century, and a history of the town.

The palazzo still incorporates the medieval tower. The tower is completely hollow inside, except for the balconies at each landing.

11. City Walls

Before you leave the town, take a walk around the city walls. You’ll find interesting gates such as the  such as Porta San Giovanni and Porta San Matteo.

They were built by the Medici family , a powerful Florentine dynasty that controlled San Gimignano in the 15th century.

They are in a reasonably preserved state and encircle the town. The views from the walls are fantastic.

12. Panoramic Viewpoint

When you’re strolling the town, don’t forget to San Gimignano’s Panoramic Viewpoint on Via degli Innocenti. There’s also a restaurant there with outside seating.

Tips For Visiting San Gimignano

1. how to get to san gimignano.

You can get to San Gimignano by car, bus, or tour.

To get to San Gimignano by bus, leave from either from Siena or Florence and go to Poggibonsi. It’s a 1.5 hour train ride from Florence and a it’s 45-60 minutes from Siena.

From Poggibonsi, it’s a 25 minute bus ride to San Gimignano. The bus drops you in Piazzale del Martiri near Porta San Giovanni.

Be sure to purchase round trip tickets for your bus ride. If not, you can purchase a return ticket in a tobacco shop.

It’s really easiest to have a car to visit San Gimignano. There’s no train station in San Gimignano. And there are no direct bus connections.

If you are driving, take the Poggibonsi Nord exit off the Florence-Siena highway. It’s then 12 kilometers to San Gimignano. The drive is breathtaking — full of rolling landscapes, olive groves, and grapevines.

Park your car at the bottom of the hill. The town is largely pedestrianized and off limits to vehicles. The most convenient garage is Parcheggio Montemaggio near the Porta San Giovani.

After parking, you have to hike up the hill. There’s also a shuttle bus that drops you in the Piazza Cisterna for a small fee.

You enter via the Porta San Giovani, a medieval doorway dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The city is built around a pilgrimage route that cuts through the heart of San Gimignano.

2. Guided Tours of San Gimignano

Because San Gimignano is not exactly easy to get to, you may want to book a guided tour to let someone else do the hard part. There are quite a few different tours leaving from Flroence.

This tour leaves from Florence and includes lunch and a wine tasting. This tour takes you to both San Gimignano and Siena, which, as I discuss below, you can do in one day if you’re pressed for time.

While you’re in San Gimignano, you might consider taking a wine tour , a vineyard dinner with a wine tasting , or a Tuscan cooking class .

You can also take a Chianti region and castle tour from San Gimignano. Or even go horseback riding in the Tuscan countryside.

3. Can You Do San Gimignano and Siena In One Day?

It’s possible to visit both San Gimignano and Siena in one day. The towns are about 45 minutes apart. But I wouldn’t advise it. You’ll be rushed.

If you’re pressed for time and need to squeeze them both in, spend half a day in each town. Start with Siena. See Palazzo Pubblico and the Siena Cathedral complex.

Then head to San Gimignano. Wander the streets and check out the frescos in the Duomo.

4. When To Visit San Gimignano

San Gimignano is undoubtedly a popular destination in Italy, with its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings drawing in tourists from all over Tuscany.

However, this popularity can also mean that the town can feel overcrowded, with the main attractions often swarmed with visitors, particularly during peak season and mid-day.

Adding to the crowds, San Gimignano is also a popular day trip destination, often included in tours that cover multiple locations, such as Siena.

To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit San Gimignano in the morning when the crowds are still thin, or alternatively, consider staying overnight in the town.

By doing so, you can enjoy the streets and sights of San Gimignano when the crowds have dispersed, giving you a chance to truly savor the town’s unique charm.

5. The Local Specialties

San Gimignano is home to a local wine known as Vernaccia. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a crisp dry white wine with citrus fruit flavors, which has been refined in the last decade.

Every storefront and cafe in the town will have this wine. And they’re happy to ship it to you.

Another local specialty is wild boar sausage. Boars eat mostly berries. The resulting meet is tender and earthy.

6. Where To Eat In San Gimignano

Sam Gimignano is loaded with wonderful restaurants. For great meals, check out Locanda di Sant’Agostino , Osteria del Carcere , La Mangiatoia , or Bar Enoteca Gustavo . You also find panini shops on every street.

If you want to splurge on dinner, reserve at LINFA , San Gimignano’s Michelin-starred restaurant. If you want spectacular views as you dine, try Le Vecchio Mura . Cum Quibus is Italian dining at its finest, with creative takes on classic Tuscan dishes.

For gelato, the most popular place is Gelateria Dondoli. The perpetual long lines confirm its popularity.

But have no fear, there’s another gelato shop right next door, which claims to have the world’s best ice cream.

7. Where To Stay In San Gimignano

If you want to stay overnight in San Gimignano, you have several options. If you want to be near the main attractions, try Hotel Cisterna or Hotel Leon Bianco .

La Collegiata is a stunning hotel that gives you a luxury stay in a former monastery. It’s a place of pared back elegance with antiques and white washed rooms.

Another fantastic option is Il Segreto di Pietrafitta . It’s one of Italy’s famed agriturismo (farm) stays. It’s a rambling mansion with big open fireplaces, brick ceilings, and terracotta floors.

On my last visit, I was lucky to stay at Borgo San Felice , which is about an hour from the town. It’s essentially a medieval stone village that’s been transformed into a luxury hotel.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do and see in San Gimignano. You may enjoy these other Tuscany travel guides and resources:

• 1 day itinerary for Florence
• 3 day itinerary for Florence
• Best museums in Florence
• Hidden gems in Florence
• Must see sites in Florence
• 1 day itinerary for Siena
• 10 day itinerary for Tuscany
• Tuscany art bucket list
• Top Attractions in Pisa

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Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Must-see attractions in San Gimignano

San Gimignano

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Rocca di Montestaffoli

The crumbling shell of the town's 14th-century fortress commands views across the valley and has a small playground and plenty of space to picnic in. It's…

San Gimignano del 1300

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…

Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà

A late-13th-century structure featuring the 51m Torre della Rognosa. It's not open to the public.

Museo Ornitologico

Occupying a decommissioned 16th-century church, this modest museum has a mournful collection of stuffed birds that dates back to 1886 and looks it.

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18 Best things to do in San Gimignano (Tuscany’s UNESCO town)

• by Martina Kokesova
• May 4, 2023 May 6, 2024

Anyone who visited San Gimignano in Italy knows how beautiful this small Tuscan town is. Even though this walled town does not have a modern city skyline , it has a rich cultural heritage and gorgeous views . This hill town is fortunate that it escaped the influence of architectural innovation that might have destroyed its beautiful paintings and buildings. Travel back in time and discover the best things to do in San Gimignano . Let this be your guide to the city of beautiful towers.

Visit it, and you will see why UNESCO put this gorgeous Tuscan town on its precious list.

Why is San Gimignano famous?

San Gimignano is famous for many things – UNESCO status , medieval architecture and locally produced Vernaccia wine and saffron. It’s world-famous as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a gelato destination . This town is a time capsule of urban medieval life and has the nickname Medieval Manhattan .

Even though it’s small, this walled hill town halfway between Florence and Siena is well worth a visit . One of the reasons why we loved it is because this town is very authentic – its appearance did not change much since the Medieval Ages.

San Gimignano fun fact:

Did you know that, many years ago, the wealthiest San Gimignano families fortified their palaces with towers? Towers were a symbol of the wealth and power of the locals.  San Gimignano once had more than seventy towers (72, to be exact). They dominated town’s skyline and provided protection for uninvited visitors . The noble families built them in the 12th and 13th centuries. At that time, this town flourished because it was on the main pilgrim route from northern Europe to Rome .

Today only 14 towers remain because the devastating plague of 1348 and the diversion of the pilgrimage route led to San Gimignano’s decline.

It is easy to see why this pretty town has nicknames Medieval Manhattan and the city of beautiful towers .

Things to do in San Gimignano, Tuscany

This gorgeous town is one of those beautiful places in Tuscany that is worth going to, no matter how much time you have. It simply must be on your Tuscan itinerary and your Italy bucket list. Here is a list of the best things to do in San Gimignano .

1. San Gimignano town hall

One of the first tourist attractions most people head to is the San Gimignano town hall , and there is a reason for that. This gorgeous building, located left of the Santa Maria Assunta, is, in fact, too beautiful to skip. The locals call this town hall Palazzo del Pópolo or Palazzo Comunale . They built it in the 13th century and later enlarged it. The Palazzo del Pópolo is a famous attraction in the town because it was the seat of local government.

We suggest visiting the Palazzo del Pópolo because it houses the Civic Museum and the Pinacoteca – both worth seeing. You can even climb the Torre Grossa (the fat tower) here. The palace also has beautiful courtyards with coats of arms and frescoes by Sodoma .

Start exploring the Palazzo del Pópolo in a  beautiful courtyard filled with frescos.

Exploring Palazzo del Pópolo is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano for art lovers because this town hall is home to the Civic Museum and Picture Gallery . You can discover masterpieces by famous Sienese artists , such as Filippino Lippi, Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Taddeo di Bartolo.

Civic Museum

You cannot visit the Palazzo del Pópolo without exploring the town’s Civic Museum. The Civic Museum ( Municipal Art Gallery ) occupies the upper floors of the buildings. The highlights in the museum are two beautiful rooms : the Sala Di Dante and the Camera del Podesta .

The Sala Di Dante , a room named after poet Dante Alighieri who visited this town, is the most famous room in the Civic Museum. This room contains various court wall paintings, but the most significant is a picture of the Virgin Mary . You are right to think that Sienese artist Lippo Memmi painted this famous fresco Maestà .

Maestà (Virgin and Child) by Lippo Memmi

Also, do not miss the other room –  the Room of the Mayor , or the Camera del Podesta , as the locals call it. In this room are wall paintings illustrating Scenes of Married Life . The tales of love are educational because they show realistic scenes.

Afterwards, explore the Pinacoteca , which holds masterpieces from both the Sienese and Florentine schools . The highlights are the altarpiece by Pinturicchio and two round paintings of the Annunciation by Filippino Lippi . Our favourites were also painted crucifix , Pinturicchio’s Assumption of Mary with Saints and Madonna and Child by Taddeo di Bartolo .

 The part of the complex is also the Torre Grossa. It is the tallest tower in the town, and you can climb it.

GOOD TO KNOW:

The Palazzo del Pópolo is open every day from 10 am – 7.30 pm between the 1st of April and the 30th of September . If you visit it during the low season (1st October – 31st March), opening times are 11 am – 5.30 pm . The Palazzo Pópolo is open from 12.30 pm until 5.30 pm on the 1st of January.

Buy the San Gimignano Pass and visit the Civic Museum, Pinacoteca, the Torre Grossa, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Duomo of San Gimignano and the Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte. As of May 2024, the San Gimignano Pass is a single ticket valid for two days and costs 16.50 euros per adult (10 for children).

2. Torre Grossa

If you find yourself in here, explore Torre Grossa . Torre Grossa is a popular tourist attraction because it is the symbol of the town’s pride . The tower with two-metre-thick walls is 54 metres (177 feet) tall, and you can find it in Piazza del Duomo.

Torre Grossa is the tallest of the remaining towers in the historical centre of this town. It is one of two public towers and the only tower you can climb . Because of that, climbing Torre Grossa is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano .

Maybe you do not know, but the construction of this tower started four months after Dante Alighieri visited this town. The local authorities built this 14th-century skyscraper because they wanted this tower to become the symbol of the city. It turned out well because today Torre Grossa is one of the most famous landmarks in the town .

Torre Grossa is the only tower open to the public . It offers beautiful views of the town and the countryside.

• Buy the San Gimignano Pass for 16.50 euros and visit all the Civic Museums, Torre Grossa and Duomo and Religious Art Museum. This combined ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days.
• Torre Grossa is open every day from 10 am – 7.30 pm from April until 31st October. If you visit the tower in the low season (November – end of March), it is open from 11 am – 5.30 pm .
• If you decide to climb the Torre Grossa, you should know there are 218 steps to the top of the tower . Some are steep, and you have to watch your head sometimes. There is also a ladder to reach the top.

A soft orange light illuminates everything if you visit it close to sunset.

3. Piazza della Cisterna

One of the beautiful places to visit is also the triangular Cistern Square . The locals call it Piazza della Cisterna because they built it around an old water well. The structure, which looks like a pretty stone fountain , is, in fact, the opening to an underground cistern from the 13th century . The locals later added a platform in the early 14th century.

Today visiting Piazza della Cisterna is one of the popular things to do in San Gimignano because medieval architecture surrounds this beautiful square. Many years ago, this square was the centre of all public performances , tournaments and festivals in the city. Piazza della Cisterna was even the hub for gathering pilgrims 1000 years ago . This square still witnesses markets on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The square has several historic buildings, such as the Palazzo Tortoli and the Casa del Podestà . They were once the residences of the town’s most powerful families. One of the reasons why we loved Piazza della Cisterna is that you can find shops, cafes and restaurants here. It is also an ideal spot to relax and soak in the ambience.

The open passage connects Cistern Square with Piazza del Duomo – the largest square in the town. You can also find the beautiful ancient city gate Arc of Becci at the southwest corner.

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4. San Gimignano 1300 exhibition

If you want to better understand what this town looked like during the Middle Ages , we recommend visiting San Gimignano 1300 . As the name suggests, this small historical museum shows a model of the city as it appeared 700 years ago . That is when San Gimignano was at the height of its wealth and power. It was a free town , and the noble families and upper middle-class merchants built many fortified tower houses. Also, the Pilgrimage route , the Via Francigena , led through this walled city and helped the city to develop and prosper. Back then, this town became an important economic centre . It had a population of 12,000 (today around 3,000).

Seeing San Gimignano 1300 is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano because it shows the perfect miniature reconstruction of the 14th-century town . This large reproduction 1:100 scale model of the city shows street life scenes, 800 buildings, forts and its churches.

San Gimignano 1300

The growth stopped when the plague hit the population in the 14th century. Many people escaped from the town, and its population drastically decreased. Also, the town  lost its independence from Florence within a hundred years. This, however, prevented the city from urban modernization that transformed numerous Italian towns during the Middle Ages.

After 20,000 working hours , historians, architects, and artisans created a 3D model of 14th-century town . This is how the travellers could see this town from a nearby hilltop.

One of the reasons why we loved this museum is that this exhibit gives a unique glimpse into life in the town over 700 years ago. The model is made by hand , and the project took over three years to complete . The team of ceramic artists used over a tonne of clay and the city’s oldest records to create a replica of the medieval town. The reconstruction also shows the convent of San Francesco, which you cannot see today. Florentine forces completely destroyed it when they wanted to expand the city walls.

San Gimignano 1300 exhibition also shows many towers with wooden balconies and platforms, which you cannot see today. They all crumbled over time – the only remnants of their existence are the large holes where the beams would support balconies.

If you want to visit San Gimignano 1300 exhibition, you should know there is no entry fee (you can donate). If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early morning or late afternoon before the bus tours with guides come to the museum.

5. Gelateria Dondoli

If you want to take a break from sightseeing, stop for a treat in Gelateria Dondoli . You can find it in the Piazza della Cisterna. Here’s where it gets juicy: this small town is a famous gelato destination . Join the line for the gelato and try traditional or unusual flavours in this world-famous gelateria. Do not worry, you will not miss it – there is always a long queue.

Catherine de Medici , the future wife of Henry II  – King of France, introduced gelato from Italy to France in the 16th century. Legend has it that she created the first-ever gelato with alchemist Cosimo Ruggieri as part of a cooking contest.

Trying a gelato in Gelateria Dondoli is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano because it sells the best ice cream in the world . Gelateria Dondoli is world famous because it won the Ice Cream Championship of 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 . You can see their certificates on their door. Master Gelato maker Sergio Dondoli also received other international awards.

His gelateria is famous for its unusual flavours . Try flavours, such as Crema di Santa Fina (cream with saffron and pine nuts) and Champelmo (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine). Other original flavours are Raspberries and Tuscan rosemary , Vernaccia Sorbet , Ricotta cheese and blueberries , Chianti wine or Gorgonzola and walnuts , and many others.

Gelateria Dondoli won several awards for its unusual flavours and top-quality ingredients.

Gelateria Dondoli is open every day from about 8 am until 11 pm in summer.

 There are many places which sell ice cream in this Tuscan town. Try also Caffetteria Gelateria dell’Olmo , which you can find on the same square.

6. Piazza del Erbe

Afterwards, stop at the Piazza del Erbe , which you can find just round the corner from Piazza del Duomo. Piazza del Erbe is one of several beautiful squares that decorate the old town. This square with a café terrace is quieter than the other squares. The square got its name from a market that takes place here every week (erbe means herbs in Italian).

Piazza del Erbe offers beautiful views of medieval brick houses with elegant shutter windows. This small marketplace also has gorgeous views of two impressive towers . The Torri dei Salvucci were originally part of the palace. One of the most powerful families in the town, the Salvucci family, owned them.

The Salvucci family bypassed the Communal Statutes of 1255 that limited towers to the height of the Podesta Tower. The wealthy family built two massive towers. They wanted to show their dominance over the town’s mayor. During that period, the mayor owned the second-highest tower in the town. Its name is Torre Rognosa.

The Salvucci constructed two towers instead of one, and they were both taller than Torre Rognosa. After that, the angry mayor ordered them to shorten the towers, and he could hold again his status of owning the tallest tower in San Gimignano.

Visit the Piazza del Erbe on Saturday and buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices from local traders. If you visit this square on Thursdays, you can purchase everything from clothing to antiques.

7. Torre Salvucci

You probably do not know it, but it is possible to climb Torre Salvucci for 7 euros (as of May 2024) if it is not rented out. Do not worry, Torre Salvucci towers are shorter than Torre Grossa. It is also easier to get to the top. 143 steps will bring you to the top of the tower, which offers a slightly different view of the town.

One of the best things to do in San Gimignano is to stay in the tower house apartment and climb Torre Salvucci . This is a unique place to stay in the town that you do not want to miss. Moreover, climbing the Torre Salvucci Tower offers a unique opportunity to experience living in a tower house . You can visit different levels of the tower house and see the kitchen, living area, bedrooms and bathrooms all on different levels.

8. Santa Maria Assunta 

It is easy to see why many visitors put the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta high on their bucket lists. Santa Maria Assunta is 12th century Romanesque church which contains well-preserved frescoes . They are works of outstanding beauty , according to UNESCO. In fact, Santa Maria Assunta is a part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of San Gimignano because it has important cycles of Renaissance frescoes by Sienese artists , such as Benozzo Gozzoli, Lippo Memmi, Taddeo di Bartolo or Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Because of that, visiting the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the top best things to do in San Gimignano .

Many tourists exploring the streets don’t visit this church, but they should . Outstanding frescoes are as much a draw in San Gimignano as its tall towers .

This Roman Catholic church (minor basilica) stands on Piazza del Duomo next to the town hall. Many call it the Duomo , but this beautiful church is not a cathedral . The church with black and white marble and the ceiling painted with gold stars resembles the interior of the Siena Cathedral on a smaller scale.

WHAT TO SEE INSIDE:

As you already know, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta has some of the most important paintings of the Middle Ages . The magnificent frescoes completely cover the walls of this gorgeous church. The wall paintings illustrate stories from the Old and New Testaments . The church is also famous for the Last Judgement , the Annunciation frescoes and the Chapel of Santa Fina .

Wall paintings with stories of the Old Testament lined the walls of the Duomo on one side. On the other side, you can see the pictures with stories from the New Testament. Sienese artists painted them in the 14th century. Each of them is a masterpiece on its own.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta   has one of the most decorated church interiors in Tuscany . Many people say its 14th-century frescoes look like a vast medieval comic book . Many refer to its comic book-type paintings as the “poor man’s bible ”. In fact, the pictures on the walls helped the locals to relate to Jesus. They illustrate different stories from his life and help with the teachings of the Bible for the largely illiterate population.

The Annunciation

Before you enter the church, do not miss the Annunciation in the Baptistery Loggia beside the church. This beautiful wall painting is one of the major works in this church. Scholars think Ghirlandaio painted this picture.

New Testament cycle

The highlights of the Duomo are the frescoes of the New Testament , which have 3  different stories. The upper pictures in six bays show the Birth of Christ . You read those frescoes from right to left , which is unusual. The middle register shows pictures with scenes of the Life of Christ by Lippo Memmi . You need to read these 8 scenes from left to right .

The lower register shows the Passion of Christ , and you need to read these 8 wall paintings from right to left . You can see here scenes, such as the Last Supper, and how Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Also, you can spot Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Kiss of Judas and more.

Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver and the Last Supper from the New Testament by Lippo Memmi

Old Testament cycle

The opposite wall of the church features scenes from the Old Testament by Bartolo di Fredi . The upper pictures show the story of Creation . You can see here paintings of the creation of heaven, the creation of Man, and how Adam names the animals. Also, you can spot a picture creation of Eve and how God commands Adam and Eve not to touch the forbidden fruit. Do not forget, you need to read them from left to right . The middle and lower level shows the scenes where Cain kills Abel, Noah builds the Ark, animals enter the Ark and others.

Chapel of Santa Fina

The funeral of Santa Fina by Domenico Ghirlandaio

Many visitors turn back once they see the New and Old Testament paintings, but it would be a mistake. Before you leave this church, visit the Chapel of Santa Fina , which you can find on the right side.

The highlights of the Chapel of Santa Fina are beautiful paintings of Ghirlandaio . Ghirlandaio was an early Renaissance painter who was also Michelangelo’s teacher . The frescoes illustrating scenes of the life and death of Saint Fina in this chapel were his first known commission. We loved this small chapel because many scholars say that the Chapel of Santa Fina is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture , painting and sculpture. This chapel is dedicated to Saint Fina , who is a patron of the city .

Who was Santa Fina?

Serafina, or Fina, as the locals called her, was a young girl who lived in the 13th century. She became very sick and spent her last 10 years lying on a wooden board. According to a legend, 8 days before her death, Fina had a vision of Pope Gregory , who told her she will die.

When she died, the bells of San Gimignano rang spontaneously, and yellow flowers grew around her board. When her nurse laid out her body, Fina’s hand moved. She touched the nurse and healed her of paralysis. On the day of the funeral, another miracle happened. A blind boy touched her feet. After that, his sight was restored.

Pope Gregory announces the death of Santa Fina , by Domenico Ghirlandaio

DON’T MISS:

The original wooden board on which Fina spent her final years.

The Last Judgement

Taddeo Di Bartolo painted scenes of the Last Judgement at the back. This great Sienese artist painted the figure of Christ accompanied by the Virgin Mary, St John and the Apostles. He also painted the image of Paradise on the right wall and Hell on the left side.

  a fresco of the terrifying Hell for those sinners who commit the Seven Deadly Sins.

• Opening times:

Opening times from 1st April – 31st of October:

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 7.30 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 12.30 pm – 7.30 pm

Opening times from 1st of November – 31st of March:

Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 12.30 pm until 5 pm.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is not open between the 15th – 31st of January and the 12th of March. You also cannot visit it between the 15 – 30th of November, 25th of December and 1st of January.

• Do not forget the last admission to the church is one hour before the closing time.
• The entrance ticket is a part of the San Gimignano pass , which you can buy in the Palazzo Pópolo.

9. Museum of Sacred Art 

One of the beautiful places to visit is the Museum of Sacred Art because it houses a collection of religious art . If you explore this small museum with two floors, you will find the original 13th-century frescoes here. Also, the museum houses works from the nearby Collegiate Church and other churches. The works of art come from famous Florentine and Sienese artists. You can see everything from paintings on wood and canvas to sculptures, fabrics and objects made of silver.

the Madonna of the Rose by Bartolo di Fredi

One of our favourites was the wooden panel painting The Virgin and Child called the Madonna of the Rose by Bartolo di Fredi . This beautiful work from the Sienese painter comes from the parish church of San Biagio in Cusona. Other highlights are Benozzo Gozzoli’s detached Fresco Crucifixion and the Virgin and Child with Saints by Fra Paolino da Pistoia . There is even an unusual cross which contains fragments of the “True Cross” . Because of that, visiting the Museum of Sacred Art is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano for believers.

You can find the Museum of Sacred Art just next to the main attraction – the Collegiate Church on the main square. You do not need to buy another ticket because the entrance fee to the museum is a part of the San Gimignano Pass.

10. Church of Sant’ Agostino

It is also worth visiting the Church of Sant’ Agostino , which you can find in the northern part of the old town near Porta San Matteo. The Church of Sant’ Agostino is one of the best attractions because it is the second-largest church in the town. The locals built it in the 13th century in Gothic style. The exterior of this brick church is quite plain because it was a usual style of the time. However, like the Duomo, the Church of Sant’ Agostino has an elegantly decorated interior.

 The interior of the church is far from plain.

Exploring the Church of Sant’ Agostino is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano for art lovers because it has many colourful frescoes and ornate interiors . Famous Tuscan artists such as Benozzo Gozzoli or Lippo Memmi painted beautiful pictures inside.

Do not miss

Gozzoli frescoes in the choir behind the high altar are one of the highlights. You are quite right to think that the cycle of St Augustine was a popular theme of Tuscan narrative art from the mid of 14th century. These beautifully painted frescoes depict 19 scenes of the life of Saint Augustine.

Benozzo Gozzoli’s Saint Sebastian

Benozzo Gozzoli also painted Saint Sebastian fresco when the plague struck the town in the 15th century. The artist added an optical effect to the painting. He painted a false marble frame – it creates an optical illusion.

Lippo Memmi’s Madonna and Child with Archangel Michael and St John the Baptist

One of our favourite artworks is also Lippo Memmi’s Madonna and Child with Archangel Michael and St John the Baptist because it is the oldest fresco in the town . The famous Italian painter from Siena painted this fresco before 1317. This stunning artwork is part of a larger fresco cycle that once covered the entire wall of the nave in the 14th century.

Also, do not miss the Cappella di San Bartolo on the right of the entrance. This chapel with a marble altar contains the remains of San Bartolo da San Gimignano. It is also worth having a look at the attached 15th-century cloister .

The Church of Sant’ Agostino is open every day between 7 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm .

11. Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte

Complete your fresco trail in this town and pop into this small church near the city walls. The Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte is one of the less visited attractions in the town but is well worth a visit.

If you have time to visit one more attraction, make sure it is the Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte . You can find it in the heart of the town, just one minute from Casa Santa Fina.

As the name suggests, this church once stood near a drawbridge, which once allowed access to the palace of the Bishop of Volterra to the Piazza della Cisterna. This small Romanesque Church is one of the oldest churches in the town . It dates back to the middle of the 13th century and has numerous wall paintings from the 15th century. It was the Florentine painter Cenni di Francesco di Ser Cenni who decorated the walls of the church.

Simone Martini drew Mary’s face.

The highlights are the frescoes depicting scenes of Saint Benedict and the paintings of demons of hell which show details of the Afterlife in hell and paradise. However, the main reason tourists flock here is the Madonna and Child in Glory . This large wall painting of the Virgin, the Baby Jesus and the angels is the most valuable work in the church . Simone Martini , the famous Italian artist who spread the influence of Sienese painting, drew Mary’s face.

Because of that, seeing the frescoes in the Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano .

You do not have to pay the entrance fee because it is a part of the all-inclusive San Gimignano Pass . The Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte is open between 10 am and 1 pm and 3 pm and 6pm . The last entry to the church is at 5.30 pm.

12. Church of San Jacopo

Just a short walk from the northern gate of Porta San Jacopo is a church with the same name. The Church of San Jacopo is a small Romanesque Church with a beautiful rose window and a Pisan-style doorway. The locals built it between the late 12th century and the first decade of 1200. Many believe that the Knights Templars built the Church of San Jacopo on their return from the First Crusade .

Originally this church was on the outskirts of the city. But in the 13th century , the second circle of walls enclosed the church and surrounding area. The Church of San Jacopo was not only a place of prayers but also a place of rest for travelling pilgrims along Via Francigena from and to Rome. Later the church lost its function. The Nuns from the neighbouring monastery built in the 17th century a linking bridge between the church and their convent.

Even though it is not possible to visit the inside of the Church of San Jacopo, it is a great short stop.

13. Museum of Torture

Did you know this town is home to numerous museums , including the Museum of Torture? Yes, that is right, this small museum in the heart of the town houses a collection of authentic devices used for torture and execution during the Middle Ages. These nasty tools and devices helped to extract confessions and punish the convicted before execution.

If you visit the Museum of Torture in San Gimignano, you can see death penalty instruments of the past centuries. There are even figures and descriptions. They explain how they used those instruments on people.

The entry fee to the Museum of Torture costs 10 euros for adults (as of May 2024). The museum is open every day from 10 am until 7 pm during the peak season. You can visit the Museum of Torture only on Saturdays and Sundays during winter.

Things to do in San Gimignano for the best views

14. via degli innocenti.

Find the Panoramic viewpoint on Via degli Innocen ti if you are after beautiful views. This balcony on the west side of medieval walls offers gorgeous views of the Tuscan countryside . There is even a restaurant with a few outdoor tables with a valley view. If you do not fancy snacks, you can only stop here and enjoy the vistas.

15. Rocca of Montestaffoli fortress

If exploring fortresses is your thing, then there is Rocca Montestaffoli . Even though this centuries-old fortress is in ruins, it offers gorgeous views of San Gimignano.

Look closely and see that this site is the highest of all in the city. That is why the Florentines built a fortress with thick walls in the 14th century when they took over in 1353. They wanted to protect their town from possible Siena attacks. 200 years later, Cosimo I and his people demolished this impressive structure with a pentagonal base. Today only a tower and fragments of the wall survive.

Visiting Rocca of Montestaffoli fortress is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano because it offers some of the best views in the town . The main reason we visited this crumbling ruins is its corner tower which offers beautiful views of the rising towers . The corner tower also has breathtaking views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Climb the short staircase to the tower – it is one of the best viewpoints.

You can find Rocca of Montestaffoli fortress just a short walk from the main square Piazza del Duomo. There is a beautiful public park next to the crumbling ruins – perfect if you want to escape the crowds. The path is easily accessible for almost everyone – there is a steady incline, and it is not too steep.

Rocca Montestaffoli is also ideal for a picnic because olive trees and wisteria provide much-needed shade. The fortress is also home to the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience , where you can taste the local white wine Vernaccia.

Visit this town on the third weekend in June and see it in its typical traditional atmosphere. The locals celebrate a medieval festival Ferie delle Messi (Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday all day). There is also a tournament with Middle Ages games where knights challenge each other.

16. San Gimignano city walls

If you prefer something a little quieter, take a walk around the city walls . They are 2176 metres long and have five main gates. City walls were once a strategic checkpoint along the Via Francigena because they enclose the old town centre.

Many years ago, the locals built them as protection from their rivals. Today these city walls are a perfect example of military architecture dating back to the 13th century . They are perfectly preserved and offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the town. Because of that, w alking around the city walls is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano .

The second ring of the city walls dates back to the 13th century, but the first ring and some of the gates and arches are even older (10th century). The Medici – a powerful Florentine dynasty which controlled this town in the 15th century, built some bastions. The Fortress of Montestaffoli is also an addition from the 14th century.

17. San Gimignano viewpoint

Before you leave the town, enjoy fantastic views of the town and its towers. The best way to see San Gimignano with the skyline towers is from a short distance. If you have time, we recommend you walk to Poggibonsi Road . It is only about a 10-minute walk from the main square.

Seeing this Tuscan town  from Via Vecchia per Poggibonsi road is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano because it offers the best views of the town.

18. Walk in the countryside

A viewpoint from the Strada Comunale di Santa Lucia offers some of the best views of the town from a distance.

If you have any energy and time left, walk in the countryside and find Panorama di San Gimignano . This stunning viewpoint on Strada Comunale di Santa Lucia road also offers beautiful views of San Gimignano . The walk is easy – it takes about 16 minutes to reach this viewpoint with vineyards. This spot is a few hundred meters outside of the town.

Come here at sunrise, and you will get the yellow light illuminating the scenery. We came here before the sunset when the sun was right behind the town.

Now you know what to do in San Gimignano, Tuscany!

Have you been to San Gimignano in Tuscany? Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below. If you like our post, save it to Pinterest.

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Last updated: 06/05/2024

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Our favourite things to do in San Gimignano

Discover the top things to do in San Gimignano, the ultimate hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. Medieval to its core, this UNESCO world heritage site allows you to play the part of an ancient lord by climbing one of its house-towers . There are also amazing frescoes , lovely shops and enoteche to enjoy, and an award-winning gelateria . What’s not to like?

=> Must-see Places in Tuscany for first timers

Top things to do in San Gimignano – Go climb a tower

The Torre Grossa , ‘big tower,’ like all other towers, was built with defence in mind. People would run up the narrow flight of stairs right to the top when an attack was imminent, and from up there they could check the surrounding territory. Today there are no dangers in sight, just a wonderful view that gets plenty of “wows”. Make sure you charge your camera, there are some great shot to be taken here. Once you’re back safe on the ground again, have a look at the Town Hall rooms and the delightful courtyard.

Discover how you can time travel in Tuscany !

When you enter San Gimignano’s Cathedral , you’ll be inundated by colour. Every single centimetre of the Duomo’s walls is covered in frescoes. Artists from the renowned Sienese school of painting worked at these frescoes during the 14th century . Medieval worshippers attending mass were expected to learn moral lessons. And since the majority couldn’t read or write, the frescoes functioned as a way of helping them understand the scriptures.

Scenes from the Old Testament are on the walls to the left , showing stories from Genesis, Noah’s ark. The depiction of the crossing of the Red Sea  is one of the most impressive. On the right-hand side there are scenes from the life of Jesus , while the interior side of the facade shows off the famous Taddeo di Bartolo’s depiction of Hell . Following Dante’s vision of hell, Satan holds Judas between his teeth, and the sinners are being punished according to their sins. In the Saint Fina Chapel you find the loveliest fresco of them all, by Renaissance master Ghirlandaio.

Are you an art passionate? You might want to check out the best frescoes in Florence .

Romancing the stones in Piazza della Cisterna

I’m biased. This is one of my favourite squares in the whole of Tuscany . Piazza della Cisterna is a small triangular square with a travertine marble pedestal at its centre that caps the underground cistern from which the square takes its name. It’s surrounded by tower-houses , beautifully preserved, with lovely details . The layout dates back to the 14th century, where pilgrims and merchants would arrive in San Gimignano travelling along the Via Francigena .

The place is timeless. When the crowd thins out in the evening , and the moon is shining on the towers, it has a captivating, dreamlike atmosphere. Especially when you’re lucky enough to hear a musician playing in the square.

Find out about some  charming small towns to visit in Tuscany.

7 magical places that you should see during your trip in this wonderful region.

Have an award-winning ice cream – Vote for your favourite flavour

And while you’re daydreaming in Piazza della Cisterna, you should complete your heavenly experience by trying the gelato from Gelateria Dondoli . Acclaimed, award-winning, this is ice cream at its most deliciously indulgent. Go for an unusual flavour like raspberry and rosemary, Vernaccia wine, cinnamon or zabaione. A real artisan gelato is one of the best experiences you can have in Italy. I’m sure we all agree!

San Gimignano 1300 – Having fun with history

Fun and instructive. Here you can see what San Gimignano would have looked like in the 1330’s , when it was at the height of its wealth and power. A clever reconstruction of the most famous hilltop town in Tuscany shows the 72 original towers , the walls and the ancient buildings. In the San Gimignano 1300 Museum you’ll learn about the  history and daily life in the 14th century. If you’re travelling with kids this is definitely one of the top things to do in San Gimignano .

The dark side of history – Torture museum

Of all the things to do in San Gimignano, this is the most interesting or the most stomach-churning , depending on how you look at it. As a history lesson, it’s good not to forget what we humans are capable of. With exhibits of some originals and some replicas of the horrific instruments of torture, in the Torture Museum you’ll be shown the darker side of history. “The horror aroused in our visitors viewing the instruments allows us to make them our allies against torture” , states the official site. Not for the faint hearted.

Shopping for pottery or alabaster

On a lighter note, in San Gimignano you’ll find some lovely pottery shops . Some organise shipping for you in case you fall in love with a massive ceramic pot or vase. From traditional designs to Tuscany inspired decorations , there’s something for every taste. Alabaster is the local stone, white and translucent, and often used for small objects and lamps. The many eggs made of different stones are supposed to bring luck.

Fan of Medieval towns? Let’s explore some more Medieval gems near San Gimignano . And if you’re in the area, you might want to spend a day in charming Siena .

An hour drive away is the delightful hilltop town of Volterra. Will you fell in love with San Gimignano or Volterra ?

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10 Best Things to Do in San Gimignano Italy (with map)

We came to San Gimignano after spending one day in Florence . This place is busy in the summer months, with parking a bit hard to come by. However, we found enough parking a bit down the hill which allowed us easy access to St John’s Gate entrance. With our strollers and kids, we were ready to start exploring this medieval jewel. So, come along with me as we explore the best things to do in San Gimignano.

In this article:

My Favorite Things to Do in San Gimignano

Before going into details about the best things to do in San Gimignano, let me give you and overview of my favorite attractions.

• Stroll slowly from St John’s Gate to Piazza del Duomo. Just try taking in the sights and the narrow medieval streets.
• Rest a bit in Piazza del Duomo and take in the multiple medieval towers that dominate the skyline
• Taste some local gelato, especially if you have children.
• Stroll through the city park and take in the views of the surrounding countryside

With our map in hand and our comfortable shoes in our feet, we starting discovering the best things to do in San Gimignano.

Stay in San Gimignano . Hotel Bel Soggiorno has amazing location, right inside the medieval walls, so within easy walking distance from anywhere. For more of a budget option but still close to Gate San Giovanni, try Il Feudo , which is also an excellent option. You can also find other budget hotels in San Gimignano .

1. Porta San Giovanni (St. John’s Gate)

2. Torre Dei Cugnanesi

Walk north on the narrow Via San Giovanni and look straight ahead – you’ll see an imposing tower a little ways in the distance. This is your next stop on the walking tour: Torre Dei Cugnanesi. As you walk closer, take in the medieval façades of the buildings of either side of you and stop in any shops that interest you along the way.

3. Piazza della Cisterna

If you continue walking north on Via San Giovanni, you will walk under another medieval gate called Arco dei Becci and find yourself in Piazza della Cisterna, an open plaza with a large octagonal structure in the center.

This structure, which looks like a stone fountain, is the opening to an underground cistern that was constructed in 1287. The cistern lies beneath the piazza and is surrounded by more of San Gimignano’s classic medieval architecture.

4. Piazza del Duomo and Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta

Take Via San Matteo a few steps north-east to the Piazza del Duomo. This plaza is one of the larger ones in San Gimignano, and it features the central church in the town – the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, or the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Visiting this landmark is one of the most essential things to do in San Gimignano, especially for art lo vers .

5. Torre Rognosa and Torre Grossa

While you’re in Piazza del Duomo, you’ll notice yet another imposing stone tower on the other side of Via San Matteo from the church. This is Torre Rognosa, the second tallest of the San Gimignano towers at 52 meters (almost 171 feet) tall. The tallest tower at 54 meters, Torre Grossa, is also in Piazza Duomo right next to the church.

6. Piazza delle Erbe and Torri dei Salvucci

Around the corner from Piazza del Duomo is Piazza delle Erbe, where you will find a small marketplace and two more tall towers – the Torri dei Salvucci. The Salvucci family constructed these towers to show dominance over the mayor of San Gimignano at the time, who owned Torre Rognosa. Not only did they construct two towers instead of one – both towers were taller than Torre Rognosa. Outraged, the mayor ordered that the Torri dei Salvucci had to be shortened so he could regain his status of owning the tallest tower in San Gimignano.

7. Rocca di Montestaffoli

Walk east past the church and then make a slight left until you find yourself at the Rocca di Montestaffoli, a public park on the ruins of the town’s 14th-century fortress. From here, you can see some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, from the classic Tuscan rooftops to the Chianti vineyards.

8. Civic Museum

Make your way back to the Piazza del Duomo when you’re ready for a visit to San Gimignano’s Civic Museum . This museum is located in the Palazzo Comunale, or Town Hall. The first floor includes a few preserved meeting rooms, including the Sala Dante that was once visited by the famous poet. An art gallery on the second floor contains many works of mostly medieval Florentine and Sienese paintings.

9. Chiesa di Sant’Agostino

Finally, walk north on Via San Matteo and make a right on Via Cellolese. Shortly, you’ll arrive in front of the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, the second largest church in the town. If you love learning about history, visiting Sant’Agostino has to be on your list of things to do in San Gimignano. The church was constructed in the 13th century, and similar to the Collegiata is quite plain on the outside but intricately decorated within.

Is San Gimignano Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely! After seeing the best things to do in San Gimignano, you will get an authentic look into the Tuscan countryside, outside of large cities like Florence and Siena . San Gimignano was such an enjoyable visit for our family, that we started telling everyone about. From amazing history to the beautiful surrounding countryside, San Gimignano is a jewel of a town well worth your time to visit.

• Charming Tuscan Itinerary
• Charming Things to Do in Pisa
• Charming Walking Tour of Florence
• Amazing Churches of Florence
• Best Things to Do in Siena
• Best of San Gimignano
• Charming Volterra
• Best Things to Do in Lucca
• Is Cinque Terre Overrated?

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If I am making a day trip from Florence, what train station should I get off at?

Lu…taking the train is trickier but not terrible. You take the train from Florence SM Novella station to Poggibonsi. Then from the train station take bus #130 to San Gimignano. You should make it in under 2 hours…if the train is not delayed a lot.

Is 3 hours enough time to see San Gimignano ?

David…it all depends on what you are trying to see. If you only want to walk through the village then yes, 3 hours is enough time. San Gimignano is a small medieval village. If in addition you want to visit the main church, climb in a tower and have dinner, then the answer is no, it is not enough time. We spent about 5 hours in town and then drove to Volterra afterwards.

Thank you for such a great informative and detailed website . So appreciated

Jenny….glad you found my article helpful.

Very informative.. great information. I will be visiting San Gimignano this coming August. Very excited!

Manolo…glad to hear my article was helpful for your travel planning. We loved San Gimignano. Also really enjoyed driving through Tuscany. Also consider visiting Volterra which is close by.

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Best Things to Do in San Gimignano, Tuscany’s medieval town

San Gimignano, often dubbed the “Medieval Manhattan,” captivates travelers with its striking skyline of ancient towers and rich historical allure. This picturesque Tuscan town offers a unique blend of medieval architecture, charming streets, and a vibrant cultural scene. In this guide, you will uncover the best things to do in San Gimignano, ensuring you experience its magic like a local.

Table of Contents

What are the Best Things to Do in San Gimignano?

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who enjoys soaking in the ambiance of a unique locale, San Gimignano has something for everyone. Winalist’s local team has create for you this guide to help you make the most of your trip, providing insights into must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites.

From exploring historic squares to enjoying world-class San Gimignano wineries , you’ll find plenty of things to do in San Gimignano that will make your visit truly memorable.

Wander at Piazza della Cisterna

Explore the heart of San Gimignano at Piazza della Cisterna, a bustling square surrounded by medieval buildings and towers. This iconic piazza, named after the ancient cistern located at its center, serves as a social and cultural hub for both locals and visitors. As you stroll around, you’ll be charmed by the historic architecture, quaint shops, and cozy cafes lining the square. Don’t forget to look up and admire the towering structures that give San Gimignano its nickname, the “Medieval Manhattan.” The square often hosts local markets and events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. An insider tip: visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Climb the Torre Grossa

For breathtaking panoramic views of San Gimignano and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, climbing the Torre Grossa is an absolute must. Standing at 54 meters, it is the tallest tower in San Gimignano and a symbol of the town’s medieval grandeur. As you ascend the tower, you’ll pass through historical exhibits that provide intriguing insights into the town’s past.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled 360-degree view. The red-tiled roofs of the town, the lush vineyards, and the rolling hills create a picturesque scene that is truly unforgettable. It’s an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts, so don’t forget your camera. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can provide the best lighting for photos and a quieter experience.

Climbing the Torre Grossa offers not just a physical perspective but also a deeper appreciation of San Gimignano’s historical and architectural significance.

Walk to Rocca di Montestaffoli

A visit to San Gimignano would be incomplete without a walk to the Rocca di Montestaffoli, an ancient fortress offering some of the most spectacular views in the area. Located a short distance from the town center, this historic site provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. As you make your way up, you’ll pass through olive groves and lush greenery, creating a serene ambiance.

Once at the top, the panoramic vistas of the Tuscan countryside are simply breathtaking. You can see rolling hills, vineyards, and the iconic towers of San Gimignano in the distance. The fortress itself, though mostly in ruins, has a charming medieval atmosphere and occasionally hosts local events and festivals.

Insider tip : bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing meal with a view.

Discover the Sant’Agostino Church

The Sant’Agostino Church is a hidden gem in San Gimignano that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Located in a quieter part of town, this historic church is dedicated to Saint Augustine and showcases remarkable examples of Renaissance art. The church’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, depicting the life of St. Augustine in vivid detail.

As you explore, you’ll notice the serene ambiance and the intricate artistry that make this church special. The altarpiece, created by Piero del Pollaiuolo, is another highlight, featuring exquisite craftsmanship and rich colors. The church also has a tranquil cloister, perfect for a moment of reflection or quiet contemplation.

Insider tip : visit during the late afternoon when the light filters through the stained glass windows, creating a magical atmosphere. Discovering the Sant’Agostino Church offers a peaceful retreat and a deeper appreciation of San Gimignano’s artistic heritage.

Stroll through Via San Giovanni

A stroll through Via San Giovanni offers a delightful way to immerse yourself in the charm of San Gimignano. This picturesque street, one of the main thoroughfares of the town, is lined with historic buildings, artisan shops, and cozy cafes. As you wander along, you’ll find yourself captivated by the medieval architecture and the vibrant atmosphere.

Take your time to explore the various boutiques offering local products such as handmade ceramics, leather goods, and traditional Tuscan delicacies. The street also provides numerous photo opportunities with its scenic views and well-preserved facades. Don’t miss the chance to stop at a local cafe for a cappuccino or a scoop of gelato, perfect for a relaxing break.

Have lunch at Podere La Marronaia winery

For a truly unforgettable experience, enjoy a lunch and wine tasting at Podere La Marronaia , one of the most renowned wineries in San Gimignano. Located just a short drive from the town center, this family-owned winery offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of Tuscan wines. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of local wines.

Relax at Piazza del Duomo

Relaxing at Piazza del Duomo is a must when visiting San Gimignano. This central square, surrounded by historic towers and buildings, is an architectural marvel that offers a peek into the town’s medieval grandeur. Dominating the square is the Collegiate Church, also known as the Duomo, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit.

Take a leisurely stroll around the piazza, soaking in the serene atmosphere and the impressive facades of the surrounding structures. The square is lined with cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to sit down and enjoy a coffee or a meal while people-watching and enjoying the ambiance. The open space of the piazza allows for a peaceful respite from the more crowded streets.

Insider tip : visit in the late afternoon when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the buildings, creating a picturesque scene.

Explore the Vernaccia Wine Museum

Exploring the Vernaccia Wine Museum is an essential activity for wine enthusiasts visiting San Gimignano. Located within the historic walls of the town, this museum is dedicated to Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most celebrated white wines. The exhibits offer a comprehensive look at the history, production, and cultural significance of this unique wine.

As you tour the museum, you’ll learn about the grape-growing process, the terroir of the region, and the traditional methods used in winemaking. Multimedia displays and historical artifacts enrich the experience, providing a deeper understanding of Vernaccia’s evolution over the centuries.

Enjoy Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli

No visit to San Gimignano is complete without enjoying gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, one of Italy’s most celebrated gelaterias. Located in Piazza della Cisterna, this award-winning gelato shop is renowned for its innovative and delicious flavors. As you approach, you’ll often find a line of eager patrons—a testament to its popularity and quality.

Once inside, you’re greeted with a wide array of flavors, ranging from classics like chocolate and pistachio to unique options such as saffron cream and Vernaccia sorbet. The gelato is made using high-quality, natural ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience with every scoop.

Insider tip : try their signature flavor, Crema di Santa Fina, a creamy concoction with saffron and pine nuts, which pays homage to the town’s heritage.

San Gimignano offers a captivating blend of medieval history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural experiences. From wandering through historic squares like Piazza della Cisterna and climbing the Torre Grossa for panoramic views, to exploring the rich art in the Museo Civico and discovering the serene beauty of the Sant’Agostino Church, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Gimignano. Don’t miss out on the local culinary delights, with must-try dishes that capture the essence of Tuscan cuisine.

What to do Around San Gimignano?

Whether you’re an aficionado of robust reds like Chianti or prefer the elegance of Brunello di Montalcino, there’s something for every palate. These regions are easily accessible, making them perfect for day trips. Many wineries offer guided tours and tastings, providing insights into the winemaking process and the region’s rich heritage.

Insider tip : book your wine tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a seamless experience.

Visit the iconic town of Florence

Just an hour’s drive or a quick train ride away , Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Duomo, where you can marvel at Brunelleschi’s dome. The Uffizi Gallery is another highlight, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s oldest bridge, lined with charming jewelry shops. Don’t miss the Palazzo Vecchio and the adjacent Piazza della Signoria, a vibrant square filled with statues and historical landmarks. For breathtaking views of the city, head to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Discover our guide on the best things to do in Florence as well as some top rated Florence wine tours .

Chianti: Scenic Vineyards and Wines

A visit to the Chianti region, located about an hour’s drive from San Gimignano, is a journey into the heart of Tuscany’s winemaking tradition. Renowned for its scenic vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages, Chianti offers an immersive experience for wine lovers. The region is best known for its Chianti Classico, a robust red wine characterized by its rich flavors and perfect balance.

Book yourself a Chianti wine tours from Winalist’s curated selection of the best wineries to visit there. Highlights include Antinori nel Chianti Classico, which provide exceptional wine experiences. The beauty of the landscape, combined with the quality of the wines, makes Chianti a must-visit destination.

Montalcino: Brunello and Medieval Charm

Located about an hour and a half from San Gimignano, Montalcino is a picturesque town renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino wines. This medieval gem offers not only exceptional wines but also stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes. The town itself is a maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and charming squares, making it a delightful place to explore.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential. Many local Montalcino wineries , offer guided tours and tastings, providing a comprehensive look at the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region.

Montepulciano: Vino Nobile and Views of Tuscany

Montepulciano, approximately an hour and a half from San Gimignano, is famed for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and stunning vistas. This hilltop town offers a captivating blend of Renaissance architecture, historic charm, and exceptional wines. As you wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll discover elegant palaces, ancient churches, and vibrant piazzas.

Begin your visit at the Piazza Grande, the town’s main square, surrounded by stunning buildings like the Palazzo Comunale and the Cathedral. Wander through the streets and explore the best Montepulciano wineries curated by Winalist.

Insider tip : climb to the top of the Palazzo Comunale’s tower for panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, including the rolling vineyards that produce this renowned wine. Montepulciano’s combination of scenic beauty and vinous excellence makes it a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast.

Take a day trip to Siena

A trip to Siena offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it an unmissable part of your Tuscan adventure. Just a short 45 minutes-drive away or train ride ( book your ticket here ) away, Siena offers a unique experience steeped in medieval charm and rich cultural heritage.

Famous for its stunning Piazza del Campo, where the historic Palio horse race takes place twice a year, Siena’s narrow streets and picturesque squares transport you back in time. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Siena Cathedral, with its intricate façade and beautiful interior featuring stunning artworks and mosaics.

After exploring the city’s landmarks, relax in one of the local trattorias and savor traditional Sienese dishes like pici pasta and panforte. Insider tip: Plan your visit to coincide with the quieter hours of the day to fully appreciate the city’s charm without the crowds.

Discover our perfect Florence to Siena itinerary through the Tuscan vineyards and our guide to the Best things to do in Siena to explore the best Siena wine tours .

Venturing beyond the town, the nearby wine regions of Chianti, Montalcino, and Montepulciano offer exceptional wine-tasting experiences amidst picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the charm of a unique destination, San Gimignano promises an unforgettable journey. Plan your trip well, pack thoughtfully, and immerse yourself in all that this magical town has to offer.

Good to Know to Plan Your Trip to San Gimignano

What are the best hotels to stay in san gimignano.

When planning your stay in San Gimignano, you’ll find a range of hotels that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some options: – Hotel La Collegiata : For a luxurious experience, consider this 5-star hotel set in a former monastery. With its elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and a panoramic pool, it offers a serene retreat. – Relais Santa Chiara Hotel : For a boutique experience, this 4-star hotel provides stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. It features comfortable rooms, a lovely garden, and a refreshing pool, making it perfect for relaxation. – Hotel L’Antico Pozzo : This charming 4-star boutique hotel is located within the historic town center. It combines modern comfort with medieval architecture, offering a unique and convenient base for exploring San Gimignano.

What are the best traditional restaurants in San Gimignano?

San Gimignano is home to several traditional restaurants where you can savor authentic Tuscan cuisine. Some of the top choices include: – Ristorante Perucà : A local favorite with a cozy ambiance and a menu filled with regional specialties such as wild boar ragù and truffle-infused dishes. The intimate setting and excellent wine list make it perfect for a memorable meal. – Osteria delle Catene : Known for its rustic decor and hearty Tuscan fare, including homemade pasta, succulent meats, and rich desserts. The friendly service and warm atmosphere add to the dining experience. – Le Vecchie Mura : Boasts breathtaking views along with delicious food. Situated along the town’s medieval walls, it offers outdoor seating where you can enjoy traditional dishes while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

What’s the best time to visit San Gimignano?

The best time to visit San Gimignano is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. During these months, the temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), making it ideal for exploring the town and surrounding vineyards.

– Spring : Brings blooming flowers and lush landscapes, adding vibrant colors to your visit. – Fall : Offers the grape harvest season, providing opportunities to participate in wine-related activities and festivals.

How to get around San Gimignano?

Getting around San Gimignano is straightforward, thanks to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout. Here are some ways to explore the town: – On Foot : The best way to explore the town is on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its medieval charm and discover hidden gems along its cobbled streets. Most of the key attractions, including the towers, churches, and museums, are within walking distance of each other. – Local Buses : For those staying outside the town center, local buses provide convenient access to San Gimignano. The main bus station is located near Porta San Giovanni, one of the town’s principal gates. – Taxis : Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. – Renting a Car : If you plan to explore the surrounding countryside or nearby wine regions, renting a car offers flexibility. However, parking inside the town is limited, so it’s advisable to use one of the public parking areas just outside the historic center.

What Are the Must-Try Dishes in San Gimignano?

San Gimignano offers a delectable array of traditional Tuscan dishes that you must try during your visit. Some iconic dishes include: – Pappardelle al Cinghiale : A hearty pasta dish featuring wide ribbons of pasta served with a rich wild boar ragù. This flavorful dish perfectly captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine. – Ribollita : A traditional vegetable and bread soup that’s both comforting and delicious. Made with seasonal vegetables, beans, and stale bread, this dish is a testament to Tuscany’s rustic culinary traditions. – Pecorino Toscano : A local favorite. This sheep’s milk cheese comes in various stages of aging, each offering a distinct flavor profile. Pair it with local honey or fresh figs for a true Tuscan treat.

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15 Amazing Things to Do in San Gimignano (Italy)

San Gimignano in Italy is a real highlight on any trip to Tuscany . Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” or also as “ The City of Towers ”, the old town with its medieval skyline fascinates all its visitors. There are so many outstanding things to do in San Gimignano! A visit takes you back in time by drifting through the picturesque stone alleys, marveling at historical attractions and enjoying the unique viewpoints from the high towers of the city. If you like, you can try the possibly best ice cream in the world or taste the delicious wines of the Chianti region. However, not only the historic center is beautiful, also the surrounding of San Gimignano, with its countless wineries and excursion destinations is worth seeing!

In this travel guide, we will provide you with all the important information about San Gimignano in Italy so that you can enjoy a perfect stay. In addition, we show the best things to do in San Gimignano, fantastic pictures and reveal our insider tips.

Good to know!

The best place to stay in San Gimignano is in one of the agritourism accommodations . A real insider tip is the Agriturismo Mormoraia with a nice pool and amazing view.

San Gimignano in Italy is famous for its beautiful old town with the 15 towers, which are the reason it is also known as the “City of Towers” or “ Medieval Manhattan ”.

San Gimignano is one of the most famous cities in the region, along with Florence , Pisa and Siena . If you are planning a round trip, take a look at the best things to do in Tuscany .

Really awesome excursions, as well as bike tours , cooking classes and wine tastings are offered on GetyourGuide . Perfect if you are looking for a special Tuscany experience.

General Information about San Gimignano

San Gimignano is located in the province of Siena and is a small town in Tuscany with about 8,000 inhabitants. Since 1990, the historic center with its many medieval towers has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is now one of the most important places to visit in the entire region. The architecture of the old town is characterized by medieval towers, churches and a well-preserved city wall. Along with the visitor magnets Florence, Siena and Pisa, San Gimignano is one of the most visited places in Tuscany for tourists. The hilltop location is also unique, thanks to which one can enjoy picturesque views of the green vineyards and the Mediterranean landscape.

The history of this town dates back to 300 B.C. At that time, San Gimignano had already been inhabited by the Etruscans. The time of the Middle Ages (11th to 13th century), when the famous towers of San Gimignano were built, was the heyday of this region. There were once 72 of these medieval patrician family houses. Today, 15 of them can still be admired and some of these towers can even be climbed. It is, above all, the large number of the still well-preserved towers that makes San Gimignano so special and unique in Italy.

Things to Do in San Gimignano

During a vacation in San Gimignano, you can expect a massive range of things to see and find diverse activities. Among the main attractions of the old town are the high towers, but also the many romantic squares, the interesting museums and galleries. And there is also a lot to discover in the area around! Here are the best things to do in San Gimignano at a glance!

Piazza della Cisterna

One of the most important attractions in San Gimignano is the Piazza della Cisterna , the Cistern Square. It owes its name to the underground cisterns that were built as early as 1287. Particularly beautiful here are the ancient historic town houses, which are home to many cozy cafés, ice cream parlors and small stores nowadays. The highlight and probably one of the most popular photo spots on this triangular square is the beautiful medieval stone fountain .

Tip : Every Thursday, the big weekly market of San Gimignano takes place at Piezza della Cisterna. This market starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m.

Piazza del Duomo

One of the best things to do in San Gimignano is to visit the stunning Piazza del Duoma , which is just near the famous Piazze della Cisterna. Around the Duomo square there are many other interesting attractions, such as Torre Grossa – the highest tower in the city, the Town Hall and the Collegiata Santa Maria Assunta . Especially the medieval ambience with the historic aristocratic houses and the high towers radiate a unique flair, which can be best enjoyed from the large staircase of the church.

Tip : A stay directly in the old town of San Gimignano is a delightful experience. For this, you can find some ingenious accommodations like the lovely Fabio Apartments or the Hotel Bel Soggiorno .

Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo)

The Duomo of San Gimignano , also known as Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, is a Roman Catholic collegiate church and, at the same time, one of the most fascinating places to visit in San Gimignano. First and foremost, this church is famous for the fantastic mural paintings , the many frescoes and paintings inside. Works by artists such as Taddeo di Bartolo, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Lippo Memmi decorate this church and make it a must-see for all art lovers!

Tip : At the ticket office you can also buy combined tickets , which allow you to visit the large tower, the Civici Museum and the church at a reasonable price.

The Towers of San Gimignano

The towers of San Gimignano are the ultimate landmark and therefore the highlight of this historic city. Since a luxurious life was not yet possible in the Middle Ages, patrician families tried to prove themselves with the height of their towers as status symbols. Today, there are still 15 of the 72 towers inside the old town. The most important is the Great Tower of San Gimignano. The so-called 54-meter high Torre Grossa can even be climbed, and all those who manage the approximately 220 steps are rewarded with one of the best viewpoints in the city. From the top you can enjoy a wonderful view of the green landscape of Tuscany, but also of the beautiful medieval old town.

Tip : An insider’s tip for a unique stay in San Gimignano is the Torre Salvucci Maggiore , as this apartment is located in a medieval tower with a breathtaking beautiful view!

Alleys of the Old Town

The car-free center of San Gimignano is not too big and can therefore be explored comfortably on a city walk. Surrounded by a well-preserved city wall, 5 gates provide access to the old town. The best way to get around the city center is to let yourself drift and explore the pretty alleys just by walking around. Small delicatessen stores with regional delicacies, cozy cafés , wine bars and restaurants invite to take a break. In between you will discover small galleries and also the SanGimignano 1300 Museum is worth a visit.

Gelateria Dondoli

Ice cream lovers will also get their money’s worth in San Gimignano because here you will find one of the best ice cream parlors in Italy, the award-winning Gelateria Dondoli on the main square, Piazza della Cisterna. Already several times awarded as ice cream world champion , a tasting of the delicious ice cream creations is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano. In addition to the typical old-fashioned varieties, there are also some unusual flavors, such as walnut & Gorgonzola, raspberry & rosemary or cappuccino & rum. The queue is usually long, but it’s worth waiting!

Museo Civico

A visit to the Museo Civico is definitely one of the best things to do in San Gimignano. It is located directly under the Torre Grossa, in the town hall built in 1288, and contains works of art from the Middle Ages from the 13th to the 15th century. Worth seeing here is also the facade of the staircase, which in the past was used to announce new laws. In the upper part of the museum there is a picture gallery, which exhibits works of the Sienese and Florentine schools. From the Pinacoteca you can reach the Torre Grossa , built in 1311, from which you can enjoy a fascinating view of San Gimignano.

Tip : This museum is also included in the San Gimignano Card .

Torre e Casa Campatelli Museum

A real insider tip for San Gimignano is a visit to the Campatelli Museum . Here you can see the luxurious living rooms of the last Campatelli family and marvel at beautiful furniture and paintings from the 19th century. The tower itself is from the 12th century and is about 28 meters high. Although it is no longer possible to climb it, the museum offers a view into the interior of this medieval Tower.

Tip : The entrance fee also includes a magnificent multimedia show . You will learn plenty of interesting things about the history of the town and Tuscany.

Church of San Lorenzo al Ponte

The church of San Lorenzo al Ponte is a small-hidden gem and certainly a sight in San Gimignano that not everyone already knows. In the historic center there are numerous beautiful churches and monasteries. However, this church, dating from 1240, is absolutely unique because it is one of the oldest in the city. Worthwhile is especially a visit to the interior of the church, where you can admire beautiful frescoes by the Florentine artist Cenni di Francesco di ser Cenni.

Parco della Rocca (Viewpoint)

Beautiful and a fascinating attraction in San Gimignano are the Montestaffoli ruins in the Parco della Rocca . This is a public park in the west of the town, situated on a hill. Don’t miss checking out the Vista Panoramica viewpoint , wherefrom you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city towers on one side and a fantastic view of the fabulous Tuscan countryside and vineyards on the other.

Tip : Right in front of the entrance is the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a lovely wine-bar with a cozy terrace , which offers a fine selection of Vernaccia wines to taste.

Surrounding of San Gimignano

In the surroundings of San Gimignano , you have the opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes with vineyards and numerous excursion destinations. A real insider tip is the panoramic hiking trail “Bella Vista su San Gimignano”, which leads around the town and offers picturesque viewpoints of the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. On this picturesque route, you will also experience a wonderful landscape and a winery invites you to take a break. This walking circuit goes 9 kilometers around the town and is the best option to admire the beautiful scenery of the surroundings.

Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole

The romantic church Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole is located just outside the town of San Gimignano, in a stunning location on a hill overlooking hilly Tuscany. What is most impressive there is the tranquility, but also the enchanting idyll that surrounds this almost magical place. The three-aisled basilica was first mentioned in a document in 1109 and then consecrated in 1238. Inside you can see a baptismal font made of travertine and the remains of frescoes from the 14th century. A small monastery and a picturesque cypress garden are also part of the complex.

Excursions from San Gimignano

From San Gimignano you can go on various exciting excursions and day trips . That’s why it is so worthwhile to stay a few days in this region! The following attractions are really worth seeing and can be easily reached from San Gimignano:

Only 30 kilometers from San Gimignano is the picturesque medieval town of Volterra , another highlight of Tuscany.

We also recommend a trip to Colle di Val d’Elsa (28 km), where the “Sentierelsa – Trail” along the cobalt blue river is a must-do.

From San Gimignano, you can explore the famous city of Siena . On the way there, you should not miss the small town of Monteriggioni !

Also the famous city of Florence is not far away and can be visited during a day trip from San Gimignano.

Where to Stay in San Gimignano

San Gimignano offers its visitors a wide range of fabulous accommodations . From well-kept wineries to agritourist apartments and camping sites with pool, everything can be found. Here are our recommendations for the most beautiful accommodations in San Gimignano… It’s worth a look!

• Agriturismo with Pool : The Agriturismo Mormoraia enchants with an incredibly beautiful location in the middle of the vineyards with a view of San Gimignano.
• Castle with Pool : The Castello di Fulignano is a beautiful castle with apartments, a giant pool and a wonderful panoramic view over the hills of Tuscany.
• Apartment with a View : The Appartamento AVA nell’antica dimora di Fulignano offers beautiful apartments in a brilliant position overlooking San Gimignano.
• B&B in the Center : The Casa Torre Margherita is a real insider tip in the heart of the old town of San Gimignano. Here, a great location and a delicious breakfast await you.

Find the best accommodation in San Gimignano:

More about tuscany:, top 15 amazing things to do in lucca, top 15 amazing things to do in pisa, montalcino: the charming wine town of tuscany, val d’orcia: 15 amazing places to visit, pienza, italy: a pearl of the renaissance, saturnia hot springs: natural baths of tuscany, keep exploring, more about italy.

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• Best places to visit in Tuscany

San Gimignano

• Accommodation

If there is one medieval town in Tuscany that is really not to be missed, and that attracts thousands and thousands of tourists every day of the year, it is San Gimignano . It is located in the province of Siena , conveniently located also for those coming from Florence , and is a real gem. That it is a special place is clear as soon as you catch sight of its outline in the distance with its numerous towers , which seem to lie on top of the hill on which the town stands.

There is no getting around it: San Gimignano is a true paradise for those on holiday in Tuscany . As if that were not enough, the panorama surrounding it is marvellous, with hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. That is why, perhaps unsurprisingly, it is so crowded with tourists , who fill its streets and shops 365 days a year.

Many arrive there from Florence , either independently or with tours organised by tourist agencies. But if you decide to devote more than one day to it, in the evening when the crowds thin out you will discover a different San Gimignano, made up of quiet corners and deserted streets , illuminated by little more than a light. Give it the time it deserves, and go beyond the main tourist attractions: you will slowly fall in love with it, and you will never want to leave.

Things to do in San Gimignano

The things to see in San Gimignano are all contained in the small historical centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can go from one to the other comfortably on foot, walking only a few minutes past the many medieval towers that still stand proud. Thanks to the list below, you can visit them all without missing a single one.

Cathedral of San Gimignano

The cathedral of San Gimignano, officially the collegiate church of Santa Maria Assunta, is a beautiful church located in the centre of the town, at the top of a flight of steps overlooking Piazza Duomo.

The church, built in the Romanesque style, dates back as far as the 10th century, although what we can see today is an ‘enlarged’ version of the original; the expansion work took place at the end of the 15th century, designed by the famous architect Giuliano da Maiano. During World War II, the cathedral was considerably damaged, but fortunately a series of restoration works have brought it back to its former glory.

On the outside, the façade of San Gimignano Cathedral is bare and austere, with two entrance doors and three rose windows; but it is inside that the Collegiate Church is at its best, thanks to the rich frescoes that cover the vaulted ceiling and the walls of the three naves, mainly painted by the brothers Lippo and Federico Memmi and Bartolo di Fredi. Also very beautiful is the rose window located in the counter façade of the nave, a contemporary work from 2003 called Iridescenze, by the Cosenza artist Marcello Aitiani, who moved to Siena at an early age.

Lastly, the pipe organ, built in 1500 and renovated several times afterwards, the last of which, in 1905, gave it its current appearance. It is located in the left side aisle, above a marble chancel dating back to 1450.

Piazza della Cisterna

Like many tourists visiting San Gimignano, you will want to explore the historical centre starting with its main attractions. If so, head straight for Piazza della Cisterna , one of the city’s most beautiful squares. It is triangular in shape and is connected to the nearby Piazza del Duomo by an open passageway.

In Piazza della Cisterna, amidst souvenir shops and ice-cream parlours, are some of San Gimignano’s most interesting monuments , including the Arco dei Becci , an ancient city gate, and a number of aristocratic palazzi including Palazzo Razzi, Casa Salvestrini and Palazzo Tortoli.

The square is overlooked by some of the city’s most famous towers : the twin towers of the Ardinghelli, the Torre del Diavolo (Devil’s Tower) and the tower of Palazzo Pellari.

Town Hall and Civic Museum

In Piazza Duomo , next to the famous Torre Grossa , is the Town Hall , also known as Palazzo del Popolo or Palazzo del Podestà. Its iconic façade is made up of lowered arched windows, and above them extends the balcony from which the podestà spoke to the crowd.

On the upper floors of the town hall is the interesting civic museum , which displays splendid works of art from the Florentine and Sienese schools, by artists of the calibre of Pinturicchio, Filippono Lippi and Coppo di Marcovaldo.

Among the most important rooms of the civic museum are the hall of Dante , who came here in 1300 as ambassador of the Florentine Republic, the hall of secret meetings , originally used by the city government, and above all the picture gallery , located on the second floor, with numerous works of art on display including paintings, frescoes and sculptures.

Salvucci Towers

Among the many towers in San Gimignano that can be visited, we recommend the Salvucci towers . They are two twin towers with a square plan, located in Piazza delle Erbe , immediately next to Piazza Duomo. Their construction dates back to the 13th century, and originally belonged to the Salvucci, the most important Guelph family in San Gimignano.

The higher of the two towers houses a multi-storey period residence , which can be booked for stays of one or more nights. When it is unoccupied, it can be visited by paying the entrance fee, and climbing the 11 floors of narrow stairs you reach the panoramic terrace, from which you can admire a superb view of the town and its surroundings.

Medieval Fountains

Slightly off-centre from the city centre, just outside the walls, are the medieval fountains of San Gimignano , which can be visited free of charge by walking down a steep road. The fountains date back to the 12th century and are very impressive, as well as being of great architectural interest. They are characterised by Gothic and Romanesque arches , under which are several basins and a water fountain .

The medieval fountains of San Gimignano, of all the city’s monuments, are among those that receive fewer visitors, mainly due to their location outside the centre . Therefore, go there if you want to spend some time away from tourists in a town with a very high tourist vocation.

Museum of Torture and Inquisition

Among the museums of San Gimignano , the museum of torture stands out for its intensity and uniqueness, joined a few years ago by the museum of the death penalty . Upon entering, the visitor will find himself catapulted into the prisons of the Middle Ages , in a truly frightening atmosphere, and will be able to identify with both the prisoners and the jailers. It will be possible to discover all the instruments of torture in an emotional crescendo; a testimony to the past that lays bare the worst side of human nature.

The museums of torture and the death penalty can both be visited by paying a single entrance fee , and are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; in winter, opening is reduced to Saturdays and Sundays only.

In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.

Day trips from Florence

If you are based in Florence and would like to reach San Gimignano and other unmissable locations in Tuscany such as Pisa or Siena , take a day tour departing from Florence.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

As one of the most touristy towns in Tuscany, there is no shortage of accommodation in San Gimignano . The historical centre is scattered with bed and breakfasts, flats and small hotels, of every category and type, but on average all of a good standard.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to sleep further away from the centre, in the middle of the Tuscan countryside , there is no need to travel kilometres and kilometres, since just a few hundred metres from the walls begin, one after the other but well spaced out, the many agritourisms in the area.

Sleeping in an agritourism allows you to enjoy the utmost relaxation and tranquillity, surrounded by postcard views. The agritourisms in San Gimignano often have a private swimming pool and an in-house restaurant , where you can enjoy the delicacies of the local zero-kilometre gastronomy. Many also produce oil and wine , two of the area’s most renowned products.

Recommended hotels in San Gimignano

How to reach san gimignano.

San Gimignano is easily reached from Florence or Siena by taking the Florence-Siena motorway and exiting at the Poggibonsi Nord exit. From there, it takes about 20 minutes by car to reach the centre along the SP1 road .

Coming from Pisa , on the other hand, it is necessary to take the FI-PI-LI motorway and exit at Pontedera , then continue through the Tuscan countryside along the SP11, SP64, SP62 and SP69 roads.

San Gimignano is about an hour from Florence , an hour and 20 minutes from the centre of Pisa and about 50 minutes from Siena . Reaching San Gimignano by train is not possible as the town does not have a railway station. The nearest one is in Poggibonsi; from there it is necessary to take a bus to the town centre.

San Gimignano Weather

What's the weather at San Gimignano? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at San Gimignano for the next few days.

Where is located San Gimignano

San Gimignano is located in the province of Siena, not far from the border with the province of Florence. It is located in the open countryside, more or less in the centre of a triangle with the cities of Pisa, Florence and Siena as vertices. Although the kilometres are not excessive, the time is considerably longer as there are no major roads in the vicinity of San Gimignano, only provincial or regional roads.

Location around

Best of San Gimignano: The Ultimate Travel Guide & Top Things to Do

Welcome to the Medieval Manhattan ! The small town of San Gimignano in the heart of Tuscany is without a doubt one of the most impressive travel destinations in Italy. The town’s medieval landscape is almost perfectly preserved and exudes a very unique flair.

Even observed from afar, San Gimignano presents a very special photo motif. The stony towers rise up into the sky and create an enchanting medieval skyline . Wow!

Perhaps you are planning to check off San Gimignano on your trip through Tuscany? Then you will find everything you need to know in this travel guide. From the most beautiful sights to the best things to do and our culinary recommendations – here are our tips for San Gimignano .

1. San Gimignano: Initial info, travel tips & FAQs

2. san gimignano travel guide: the best sights & things to do, 3. eating & drinking: culinary tips for san gimignano, 4. our hotel tip for san gimignano.

What awaits me in San Gimignano?

The most excellent medieval flair ! Even from afar, you can tell what makes San Gimignano so special. The 15 majestic towers, visible far and wide, rise up into the sky. For this reason, the city carries the nickname “Medieval Manhattan”.

The historic town centre of the 7,000-soul town is unbelievably charming. Each corner is more photographic than the other and there are tonnes of photo opportunities and amazing things to do and see just waiting for you.

Is San Gimignano overcrowded?

Here we come to the less good news, to answer the question of whether San Gimignano really is as crowded as you read about everywhere. Unfortunately, we have to let you down: YES, San Gimignano is very touristy .

At the very latest you notice it when you make your way from the (very large) parking lot together with many others, past souvenir shops , towards the main square.

We let you in on two tips : Firstly, we would definitely recommend you don’t visit San Gimignano in summer (that actually goes for all of Tuscany). We were in San Gimignano during August one time and it was really uncomfortably full at that time. On our second trip during October it was quite noticibly more quiet and tranquil.

Secondly: Although San Gimignano is unfortunately an incredibly popular destination for day trips in Tuscany, it is particularly busy around midday and in the afternoon . (Unfortunately, that means you need to share the town with many other people during that time.) If possible, we recommend you visit in the morning hours or late afternoon instead, when has quietened down a bit.

How much time do I need to visit San Gimignano?

San Gimignano is a classic day trip destination . Even though we wouldn’t recommend it (because the area is simply far too beautiful for a quick day trip in and out), it is quite possible, in principle, to explore San Gimignano in just a few hours. The town is very small and manageable. You can visit all the main attractions in half a day.

We personally find the area around San Gimignano very beautiful and therefore, would recommend you rather stay a few days . (However, not in the historic centre but in the surrounding area. Our personal hotel tip follows at the end of this travel guide.)

San Gimignano is generally a fantastic home base for your Tuscan holiday , because it is located almost precisely in the middle of many popular travel destinations. For example, you can reach Florence from here in one hour of Siena in around 45 minutes.

Strictly speaking, the whole of San Gimignano is an attraction in itself. It’s not without reason that the town has been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. The town landscape is really unique.

We recommend you simply let yourself drift through the old town. It is also definitely worth it to leave the main pathways and explore the small, much less frequented, side alleyways . In this chapter we reveal which sights, in our opinion, you shouldn’t miss out on.

Piazza del Duomo

Within the heart of the old town you come to one of San Gimignano’s main squares, the Piazza del Duomo. This square is a small work of art and really incredibly charming – especially if you are lucky enough to catch it without the crowds.

As the name suggests, San Gimignano’s cathedral is located in the Piazza del Duomo, the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta . It is known for its artistic wall paintings on its interior.

The Palazzo Comunale (also called Palazzo del Popolo) from the 13th century is also an immediate eye-catcher. The gigantic Torre Grosso rises up directly behind it into the sky. We let you know more about the (highly recommended) climb up further down in this travel guide.

Piazza della Cisterna

San Gimignano’s second famous square is located around the corner from the Piazza del Duomo, the much more spacious Piazza della Cisterna. Its name is also no coincidence: The square is named after the underground cistern , built in the 13 th century.

The square, which is actually triangular shaped, is beautifully lined with medieval townhouses – each more beautiful than the other. A pretty stone fountain is located in the centre. The same applies here: If you are lucky and are able to visit the square during the morning or evening hours, you will love the flair.

Our tip : The Gelateria Dondoli is located on the outskirts of the Piazza. Be sure to grab an ice cream from there. This award-winning ice cream parlour is known to be one of the best in the world.

Torre Grossa

Of the approximately 70 towers that were once in San Gimignano, “only” 15 remain preserved today. One of the most famous of these, and definitely the tallest, is the Torre Grossa, which is part of the Palazzo Communale (the town hall). It rises 54 metres up into the sky.

The great part about it: You can climb up the Torre Grossa. The ascent up the approximately 220 steps is quite doable – only at the end you have to climb a narrow ladder to go through a small hatch to reach the viewing platform. But don’t worry, it’s not so bad.

Once you reach the top, a fantastic birds-eye view over San Gimignano awaits you. It doesn’t get more impressive in San Gimignano as from up here. Very highly recommended!

Insider tip: Torre Salvucci Maggiore

Even though word on the street is that the Torre Grossa is the only tower in San Gimignano you can climb, it’s not entirely true. Because: It is also possible to climb up the Torre Salvucci Maggiore (at certain times).

The special part about this tower: It contains a holiday apartment , which stretches over ten stories – and the 11 th is the viewing platform. When the apartment isn’t occupied, external guests can also visit up the Torre Salvucci Maggiore.

The view is not as spectacular as from Torre Grossa, but still very impressive . Aside from that, it is exciting to take a peek inside this rather quirky holiday apartment. 

Further things to do and see for more time

Of course, that was far from everything. In case you are staying longer than just one day, then here are some further highlights of San Gimignano for you.

• Sant’Agostino Church: This church is well worth seeing and a little off the tourist track. It is known for its painted murals. The adjoining church cloister also makes for a great photo motif.
• Rocca di Montestaffoli: The area around these historic castle ruins is now a large park. You can enjoy a fantastic view of San Gimignano and the surrounding area from the viewpoint there.
• Torre e Casa Campatelli: This palace of the Campatelli family from the 18th century has been converted into a museum. You can take a dive into the history of Tuscany within its historic rooms.

The best ice cream: Gelateria Dondoli

In our opinion, you definitely shouldn’t leave San Gimignano without trying the ice cream in Gelateria Dondoli. This small ice cream parlour in the main square (Piazza della Cisterna) has been crowned ice cream world champion several times.

As well as the classic ice cream flavours, they also have very special options on offer. You will want to try the entire range of flavours because everything sounds so delicious. In the main season you can recognise the shop from the large queue , which piles up in front of the store. It’s worth the wait!

Vegan evening meals: Agrivilla i pini

We stayed at Agrivilla i pini and therefore automatically enjoyed their 4-course evening meal. This can of course also be booked for external guests (the same goes for lunch). If the cost to stay the night is too high, then we can highly recommend a visit to the restaurant.

Only organic plant-based ingredients are served on the plate. The composition of the dishes is exquisite. Tip: Definitely make a reservation and it’s best to come while it’s still daylight. The view of San Gimignano is really fantastic.

Wine tasting Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The vines of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a special protected white wine variety , surround San Gimignano. If you would like to try a glass, then we recommend taking a visit to one of the wineries in the region. Our tip: We were guests at the Teruzzi & Puthod winery .

The area around San Gimignano offers you an ideal home base for your Tuscan holiday . Why? Well, one point is that the landscape is very beautiful and the other is that it is strategically well-located for taking day trips to travel destinations (e.g. Florence, Siena).

We would absolutely recommend you search for accommodation in the surrounding area (rather than in the historic centre). Our choice was the Agrivilla i pini – an entirely special place that we would like to show you in a little more detail.  

Vegan, organic & sustainable: Agrivilla i pini

If you’re searching for something special, you’re in the right place! The Agrivilla i pini is an exemplar of sustainable accommodation. The ecological concept flows through the entire place. This begins, for example, with the building materials: The walls are made of clay, hemp and rice husks, the floors are Tuscan terracotta.

In general, we really liked the natural flair . The Agrivilla i pini is located on a small hill west of San Gimignano. It is surrounded by the hotel’s gigantic garden and olive groves. Rare vegetable varieties grow here, which end up directly on the plate.

Speaking of culinary art: The Agrivilla i pini is a vegan accommodation . That means that you are only served plant-based meals here. (That starts with oat milk at breakfast and ends with the dessert alongside your evening meal.)

Anyone who is not yet so familiar with vegan dishes will quickly realise how varied it can be in the Agrivilla i pini. For example, a fantastic 4 course meal is created each evening.

Our conclusion : A really well-run accommodation with a sense of aesthetics and sustainability, although in our opinion the price level is a little too high for what is offered. If you would like to treat yourself for two or three nights, you are in the right place.

You can book the accommodation here: Agrivilla i pini

Disclaimer: Afilliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you perhaps already taken a holiday in Tuscany and visited San Gimignano? We would love to hear about your experience or leave us your best things to do and tips for San Gimignano below this travel guide.

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The Best Things to Do in San Gimignano, Italy

Known as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages because of its 14 imposing towers, San Gimignano is one of the many jewels in Tuscany’s crown. Visit the Duomo di San Gimignano before stopping for a glass of vernaccia at Tenuta Torciano winery – here are the top attractions in the city.

There are many reasons to include this pretty hilltop town on your Tuscan itinerary, not least the ancient frescoes and murals adorning the walls of the churches and cathedrals in the city. Spend a day wandering the quaint winding streets, browsing the many boutiques and sampling the fine food and wine of this prolific region.

Visit the Piazza del Duomo San Gimignano

Cathedral, Historical Landmark

The namesake of this Medieval square is the Duomo, or Cathedral, of San Gimignano, commanding your attention from its elevated position at the top of an imposing staircase. The other buildings of note here are Torri Gemelle dei Salvucci and the Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà. You can’t miss the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in town, looming 54m (177ft) above, a symbol of the town’s wealth and power since the Middle Ages.

Peek inside San Gimignano Cathedral

Famed for its murals, frescoes and paintings of the Old and New Testaments, the Unesco World Heritage site of Duomo di San Gimignano (also known as Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta) was a major draw to pilgrims on the Via Francigena. Enter through one of the two front doors on Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy exceptional works by the likes of Taddeo di Bartolo, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Lippo Memmi.

Explore the Town Hall, Picture Gallery and Great Tower

Historical Landmark

Standing on the south side of the Piazza del Duomo is the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), which was once the residence of the town council. The building remains one of the most important in the town, as it houses the remarkable Sala di Dante , which is ornately decorated with courtly frescoes, and the Picture Gallery with works dating back to the 13th century. From here, you can also climb up the Torre Grossa for an amazing view over the town and the whole Valdelsa region, as far as the Apuan Alps.

Admire artwork at the Galleria Continua

Art Gallery

This contemporary gallery, housed inside a former cinema, was opened in 1990 by Mario Cristiani, Lorenzo Fiaschi and Maurizio Rigillo, bringing the very best of the modern art world to this small hilltop town in Tuscany. The idea was to continue the ancient artistic legacy of the town through to the modern day. To that end, this delightful gallery has more than triumphed. 30 years later, and the gallerists have now opened in Paris, Les Moulins, Beijing, Havana, Rome and Sao Paulo.

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Tenuta Torciano

Wine Seller, Wine

Riding horseback through the vineyards of Tenuta Torciano on a golden afternoon has got to be one of the best ways to experience the Chianti Valley. This is just one of the many activities on offer at this beautiful vineyard. Expect exceptional service and the finest of wines at this family-run business. If you don’t fancy truffle hunting, pasta-making or grape-harvesting, you can simply relax with an excellent meal and a glass of fine wine amid the vines.

Dare yourself to enter the Museum of Torture

What finer way to spend a sunny afternoon in Tuscany than checking out instruments of torture and death? A curious mixture of the London Dungeons and Amnesty International, the museum more than delivers on the grisly front while being an ardent advocate of human rights. For the macabre-minded, you can enjoy classic devices such as the iron maiden and the rack, alongside grotesque pieces of lesser-known torture tackle, such as the gruesome heretic’s fork and women’s only spanish spiders. We suggest you delay lunch until after your visit.

Slurp ice cream at Gelateria Dondoli

Ice Cream Parlour, Italian

Flavour sensations are what Sergio, the Master of Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, is all about. Sure, you can find all the classics, such as stracciatella and pistachio, but why not try one of his innovative specialities? The Santa Fina Cream is a favourite (vanilla, saffron and pine nuts). Football fans should sample the Curva Fiesole, dedicated to ACF Fiorentina, a combination of sheep’s milk ricotta and bilberries, to represent his favourite football team’s distinctive purple shirts. Drop a pin at Piazza della Cisterna, because this is one treat you won’t want to miss.

Learn about the city's history at SanGimignano1300

Museum, Historical Landmark

In 1300CE, San Gimignano was at the height of its wealth and power. 72 towers proudly studded the sky above the walled city, and retractable ladders offered the only way into this impregnable fortress. This intricately recreated 1:100 scale model of the town was the brainchild of brothers Michelangelo and Raffaello Rubino. Over a tonne of clay and 20,000 working hours by a team of ceramic artists made their dream a reality. This remarkable exhibit-cum-artwork gives a unique glimpse into life in San Gimignano over 700 years ago.

Buy pottery at Balducci Ceramica

This unassuming ceramics workshop, tucked around the back of the Piazza del Duomo, has been run by the husband-and-wife team Franco Balducci and Esther Vogeli for over 30 years. Drop by to watch master ceramicist Balducci at work on the potter’s wheel, while Esther skilfully recreates Tuscan landscapes with bas-relief techniques. Whether you choose sculptural artwork or a charming little clay animal, a piece from Balducci Ceramica is a joy forever.

Book a traditional lunch at Locanda Di Sant'Agostino Osteria

Restaurant, Italian

Located just south of the Church of Saint Augustine, this local inn delivers exactly what you need for lunch – a typical rustic Tuscan ragu, a super-thin margherita or a plate of pesto pasta with shaved parmesan cheese, all washed down with a glass (or two) of good local wine. If it’s too hot at the outside tables in the midday sun, there’s something quite special about the cosy museum-esque interior.

To explore more of Italy, discover the best luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast or the best hotels in Positano . These are bookable with Culture Trip. During your stay, explore attractions and things to do in Naples , and visit the coolest neighbourhoods in the city. Make sure to also visit at least one of the best bars in Positano .

Restaurants

The best restaurants in san gimignano, italy.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in san gimignano, italy.

Bars & Cafes

The best bars in san gimignano, italy.

See & Do

Top reasons why you should visit san gimignano, italy.

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Luxe Adventure Traveler

Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

10 Things to Do in San Gimignano

By Jennifer Dombrowski 20 Comments

Tuscany is known for its dramatic landscapes and hilltop towns. Quite literally the embodiment of Tuscan hilltop towns, San Gimignano is the one that simply must be on your Tuscany itinerary. Known as Italy’s Medieval Manhattan with its skyline of fourteen stone towers rising dramatically from the Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano is a unique sight to behold. No matter whether you visit on a day trip from Florence to San Gimignano or linger a few days, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in San Gimignano.

So what shouldn’t you miss in Medieval Manhattan? From a day trip by vespa to a cooking class in San Gimignano, you’ll definitely put visiting San Gimignano on your Italy bucket list.

1. Climb the Torre Grossa

Once in Medieval Manhattan, the absolute must of San Gimignano things to do is to climb to the top of the Torre Grossa. These days you can climb (or take an elevator that whisks you up) to the world’s tallest skyscrapers from One World Observatory in NYC to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. But it’s not too many places that you can visit the top of a 13th century “skyscraper”.

Originally there were 72 towers of San Gimigano, some as tall as 50 meters. Each tower was built by San Gimignano’s patriarch families in a competition and display of their wealth. Seven of the remaining towers stretch up under the Tuscan sun around Piazza del Duomo.

Torre Grossa is the tallest of the remaining San Gimignano towers. It stretches up under the Tuscan sun at 54 meters (177 feet) in height and dates from 1298. It’s the only torri de San Gimignano that is open to the public. Don’t miss the climb to the top of Torre Grossa for views over the picturesque countryside.

Admission is €5 and is included with the combo ticket for the Museo Civico.

2. Explore La Rocca di Montestaffoli

Walk up the hill from Piazza delle Erbe to La Rocca di Montestaffoli, the ruins of the 14th century fortress above the town. Lovely olive groves provide a bit of shade from the sun and a great place to enjoy salami on a baguette while taking in the views of the rolling Tuscan hills and the towers rising from the town center. Roving musicians like the harpist plucking out classical tunes during our visit and artists set up their easels and paint.

In summer, there is an outdoor cinema. Can you imagine watching a movie on a hilltop Tuscan town?

And you can even learn more about Tuscany’s best known white wines at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience, the San Gimignano wine museum. This is one of the newest attractions of the medieval village and a must when it comes to what to see in San Gimignano.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience is open daily from 11:30am – 7:30pm. Admission is free and wine tasting is available for a small charge.

3. Take a Tuscan Cooking Class

There’s plenty of souvenirs you can bring home to remember Tuscany, and if you read on you’ll see that Toscana leather, wine and olive oil are all things we also enjoy bring back home. But one souvenir that will bring back memories of your time in Tuscany for years to come are the techniques and recipes you can bring home from a cooking class in San Gimignano. What better than to reminisce over days spent on a vespa and drinking wine with hilltop views than over homemade pasta you learned to make on your trip?

There’s a lovely winery just a couple minute’s drive from San Gimignano that offers cooking classes where you can learn to make three types of pasta with their sauces. After the fun cooking class, you enjoy the meal before having a tasting of wines and olive oils produced on the estate.

The San Gimignano Pasta Making Class is available daily for a minimum of 2 people and includes lunch or dinner of the pasta made during the class. Advance booking required.

4. Drink Vernaccia di San Gimignano

When you think of Tuscany, you probably think of Chianti. But the vineyards around San Gimignano produce the white wine grape Vernaccia, so famous it was even mentioned in Dante’s Inferno.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a crisp white wine with citrus fruit flavors. Enotecas dot the medieval streets and you can even get a glass to go, which you can take to one of the many panorama viewpoints to enjoy while gazing over the stone Tuscan farm houses and rolling green hills.

If you want to learn more about Vernaccia, visit the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience located at La Rocca. It’s a full multi-media experience center where you can discover the history and culture of this wine unique to San Gimignano. You can even pre-arrange more in-depth seminars with sommeliers.

Or you might like to book a wine tour in one of the wineries in San Gimignano. San Quirico Winery is located just 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the center of San Gimignano. You can tour the winery, learn about the vinification of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and taste four different vintages with salami, cheese and bruschetta.

Another renowned San Gimignano winery is Tenuta Torciano and you can visit to learn about Tuscan wine making for a tasting with either light snacks or lunch or dinner. Here you’ll taste the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano along with Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.

San Quirico Winery is open daily for wine tours. Advance booking is required and you can book online. Tenuta Torciano is open daily for wine tours. Advance booking is required and you can book online.

5. Try the Best Gelato in San Gimignano

The world-famous Gelateria di Piazza is right in the center of Piazza della Cisterna and is the best gelato in San Gimignano. The gelateria offers a variety of creative flavors like saffron or pink grapefruit with sparkling wine. You’ll easily recognize it because there is always a line out the door.

6. Shop for 100% Toscana Leather Goods

Shops and boutiques built right into the stone walls line the alleys of San Gimignano. You’ll find specialty food, wine, leather and ceramic shops in the medieval Tuscan hill town.

But one of my personal favorite things to shop for in San Gimignano is leather handbags and goods. Rooting out true authentic Italian leather at the San Lorenzo Florence leather market is no easy feat these days, and you sadly can’t be assured you’re getting the real deal unless you know what to look for. Not to mention that authentic fine Italian leather can be found in smaller villages like San Gimignano for much less than in nearby Florence.

Two shops worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for artisanal made leather goods are Mela House and Le Torri Leather Goods. Both stock products from regional artisan leather makers. Just remember that when it comes to true handcrafted Toscana leather, it is not inexpensive.

7. Buy wild boar salami

If San Gimignano is the epitome of Tuscan hill towns, then the wild boar is the one animal that most represents Tuscany. Cinghiale, as wild boar is called in Italian, are quite literally everywhere. They breed like rabbits and are incredibly destructive to farms and vineyards with their uprooting of grubs. So wild boar are hunted in Tuscany with sheer pleasure, and consumed as a delicacy.

You’ll find cinghiale on the menus everywhere from delicious cinghiale ragus on pasta to the wild boar salami sold at gourmet shops all throughout San Gimignano and Tuscany. To come on a Tuscany holiday without trying the cinghiale is practically a sin, because it’s as oh-so-Tuscan as a glass of Chianti.

If you’re unsure about eating wild boar, which we assure you is absolutely delicious and not at all gamey tasting, pop in to one of the San Gimignano shops selling local wild boar sausage. You’ll find it even comes with red wine, truffles, fennel or pine seeds and is thinly sliced and served on a crusty baguette drizzled with olive oil. Shop owners are likely to offer a taste.

Or just do as the locals do and grab a salami baguette, a bottle of Vernaccia wine and head up to La Rocca for a picnic lunch.

8. Explore San Gimignano on a Vespa

If you’re trying to cram a lot in to your Roman Holiday like we did on our first whirlwind Rome-Florence-Milan trip, then a Florence to San Gimignano day trip is the perfect way to see the hilltop town. But don’t just hop on a bus tour with 50 strangers. Instead, do Tuscany up in style – on a vespa with Tuscany on Wheels!

We love experiences and this Florence to San Gimignano tour combines a little Italian adventure on a vespa with a visit of the medieval town and even lunch and wine tasting in San Gimignano at a local winery. You’ll have time to visit Medieval Manhattan, taste the famous gelato of a world-champion gelateria and enjoy an authentic Tuscan meal for lunch in a beautiful local winery.

Of course, a highlight of the day tour is the wine tasting and olive oil tasting. Hope you left a little room in your luggage, because you’ll definitely want to bring some wine and olive home from your trip.

The Tuscany Vespa Tour from Florence is available daily and includes lunch. You can ride double with a partner. You must be 18+ to drive and a driver’s license is required, as are long pants and closed-toe shoes for both drivers and passengers. Book in advance online.

9. Explore San Gimignano by Tuk Tuk

If the thought of driving a vespa in Italy scares the bejesus out of you (because let’s be honest – I let Tim do any and all vespa driving!), then the very same Florence to San Gimignano day trip in a Piaggio tuk tuk might just be for you. Instead of driving your own vespa, a guide does all the driving for you so that you can sit back and enjoy the passing Tuscan countryside.

Just like with the vespa tour we mentioned already, you have time for visiting San Gimignano. The guide will give you a map and make some suggestions of what to do in San Gimignano during your free time.

Then you head off to a local winery for lunch, wine tasting and olive oil tasting.

The Tuscany Tuk Tuk Tour is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and includes lunch. There’s a maximum of 2 passengers. Book in advance online.

10. Have dinner overlooking San Gimignano at an Agriturismo

Agriturismo Taverna di Bibbiano looks directly at San Gimignano with outdoor tables on the edge of a hillside planted with a lavender field. There’s hardly a more romantic spot to sip on wine and have dinner while watching the sun set over the towers.

The menu changes regularly based upon what ingredients are in season, as everything comes fresh from the farm. We dined on a pear salad drizzled with balsamic glaze and Tuscan meatballs in a Chianti sauce accompanied by grilled stuffed tomatoes. We sipped a bottle of Chianti as we watched the sun slowly dip behind the hills. A warm chocolate and pear tart was a sweet finish to our perfect little meal.

So what’s an agriturismo anyway? In Italy, it is a farm that is open to guests to experience the slower, rural lifestyle of Italy. Agriturismi (plural of agriturismo) usually serve food to guests prepared from raw materials produced on the farm, often have at least one room where guests can stay, and many have relaxing pools. And no, they won’t put you to work gathering eggs for your breakfast. The most work you’ll do while staying at an agriturismo is deciding which book to read while lounging poolside.

Know Before You Go

But if the Italian driving experience is a little too adventurous for you, you can get to San Gimignano by bus from Florence in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The BusItalia Nord (formerly SITA) bus company departs from the Santa Maria Novella bus depot and takes you to Poggibonsi. From there you catch the local bus to San Gimignano. Who doesn’t want to stay in an actual castle? Located about 30 minutes from San Gimignano in the village of Strove, we enjoyed looking out from our Castel Bigozzi tower window over the rolling hills and vineyards, getting up for morning runs through the vineyards and just relaxing in the Tuscan countryside. The castle has a pool, free wifi, and breakfast is included. It is even dog friendly.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Laurel says

July 5, 2012 at 2:48 PM

I love Agriturismo! The food, the people, the concept, did I mention the food? :). I’ll have to add this place to my list.

Jennifer Dombrowski says

July 12, 2012 at 4:47 PM

The food is amazing! We will definitely be eating at agriturismi more often. I really don’t know why it took us so long to visit our first one!

Andrea says

March 2, 2013 at 5:21 PM

Mmmm – love wild boar!

March 4, 2013 at 2:26 PM

Wild boar is definitely delicious in any form!

Shalu Sharma says

March 3, 2013 at 4:35 PM

San Gimignano seems absolutely stunning. These pictures speak for themselves. I like the idea of cooling off with gelato. The name of the shop Mela House is interesting. Mela in Hindi means crowds, maybe there is some sort of similarity.

March 4, 2013 at 2:27 PM

I think so, Shalu! One tip I should have included in hindsight is to visit San Gimignano in the morning because the afternoon brought hoards of tourists on tour buses. It would have quickly become crowded.

March 3, 2013 at 10:55 PM

Eat gelato is one of the best things to do anywhere in Italy! This looks gorgeous, but then I think I’d struggle to find a part of Italy that isn’t beautiful.

March 4, 2013 at 2:31 PM

Audrey Hepburn should have said “Gelato is always a good idea!” Italy is indeed beautiful and we hope to be back to San Gimignano to explore the wine road when the wineries are open. They close up from November – April!

Natalie says

March 4, 2013 at 2:15 AM

Love these photos! Definitely makes me want to get back to Italy as quickly as possible! 🙂

March 4, 2013 at 2:32 PM

We hope you do come back for another visit and can explore more of Italy! Tuscany will be a must on your next visit. 🙂

John Sheffield says

June 14, 2017 at 3:06 PM

I recently returned from San Gimignano, a fantastic place, unique. There are beautiful landscapes and the historic center is very nice and the people are very friendly. I stayed at the Raccianello farmhouse, I recommend going there, a very nice place to relax and enjoy the holiday.

Hannah says

August 13, 2017 at 11:45 AM

Just wanted to say thank you so much for this amazing article. Just came back from a day in San Gimignano and all your recommendations were fantastic. Particularly loved the gelato and gorgeous restaurant you recommended for dinner!

August 14, 2017 at 11:37 AM

So glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to San Gimignano and that you liked our recommendations!

Kristin Little says

April 21, 2018 at 2:09 PM

I prefer to stay at agriturismos when we vacation in Italy. I LOVE them!!! We stayed at an awesome one in Tuscany, just north of Siena. Then ate at two other ones on Chianti. The food is always good ans I love the intimate setting. The people are nice and the surrounding farm is so peaceful. The owners are so proud of their place and love to converse with you and show you around. I never book hotels in Italy anymore!!

April 21, 2018 at 2:12 PM

You are right Kristin, the owners are very proud of their place and their enthusiasm to have you there can really make the experience.

Roberta Berlin says

July 16, 2018 at 6:34 PM

Jennifer, the agriturismo you recommend sounds lovely. We are 2 seniors. I have heard so much about San G and I have been to Italy 3 times, but never there so this time, it will be a day trip. Can we go there for a late lunch? We will take the bus from Florence to Poggibonsi and switch. I hope the info I have is good. From the bus terminal in San G, is it easy to get around to the places you suggest – for leather and gelato, especially – and how do we get to that place? Do we need a taxi? Also, I have planned my itinerary, and from Rome, I chose a night in Perugia at the Chocolate hotel. It sounds so cool. My dad used to travel to Italy for his work and always brought me Baci Perugia chocolates. This is before a few days in Firenze with day trips to San G, Pisa, and my favorite place Siena, and a couple in Cinque Terre, and a couple more in Venice. Thanks!

July 27, 2018 at 3:02 PM

Hi Roberta,

Meal times in Italy are extremely rigid with lunch from 12 – 2pm and then opening again for dinner at 7/7:30pm. So as far as a late lunch, no as you really need to arrive by 1:30pm at the very latest in order to be served.

San Gimignano itself is mostly car-free and very compact. The gelato and leather shops are all right in the main square. You’ll just walk around the town.

Also depending on when you are visiting, know that chocolate is not made or sold from April through October in Italy. It’s simply too hot and it would melt, so it’s just not sold.

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