San Gimignano is a miniature town with 14 mighty towers, medieval skyscrapers, equally accessible from neighboring Florence and Siena.
The town boasts unique architecture, fantastic landscapes, and a population of only about 7,000, making it one of the most picturesque and visited by tourists in all of Tuscany.
In ancient times, San Gimignano was an ordinary Etruscan village under a different name, until the Bishop of Modena, wishing to save the city from barbarians, gave it its current name and new owners. Thus began the unique history of the town, which for a long time was divided between two influential families. Around the same time, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the towers that give San Gimignano its striking character today were built. Entertainment and
Attractions in San Gimignano
Besides the majestic towers, of which only 15 of 72 remain, San Gimignano boasts interesting palaces—the Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà and the Palazzo del Popolo. The latter, built between 1288 and 1323, still attracts attention not only for its architecture but also for its art gallery with a collection of works by Pinturicchio, Filippino Lippi, Benozzo Gozzoli, and other renowned masters of the Florentine Quattrocento. Also of interest are the Church of San Agostino with unique frescoes by Gozzoli (1298) and the Cathedral (1148).
The city’s museums deserve special mention. For example, the Civic Museum is housed in the former halls of the Gamucci and Ficarelli palaces. There are 10 exhibition galleries here, of which the impressive model-reconstruction of the city, depicting San Gimignano in the Middle Ages, is particularly noteworthy.
Another interesting museum is the Museum of Torture and Execution.
Situated at the entrance to the city, almost immediately beyond the ramparts, the statue of an executioner standing outside the door is particularly striking.
Due to the Harvest Festival held here every year, the number of tourists increases several times at the end of June. During the festival, crowds of townspeople dress in traditional attire and rush to Piazza della Cisterna to watch the mounted knights’ tournament.
