Holiday apartment in San Gimignano: Towers, art and the Via Francigena

San Gimignano between towers, art and routes

San Gimignano combines a cohesive historic townscape with a prominent elevated position and places of art and culture. The historic centre preserves its architectural uniformity and original urban layout. It lies on a hill and dominates the surrounding landscape. Its characteristic silhouette is defined by 14 prominent towers that dominate the landscape.

Townscape and squares among the towers

On Piazza della Cisterna, one of the two main squares, a central fountain defines the scene. The Torre Grossa is also known as the Torre del Podestà. It was built in 1311; at 54 metres, it remains the tallest tower in San Gimignano. The Palazzo Comunale is also known as the Palazzo Pubblico. It houses the San Gimignano Civic Museum and Pinacoteca.

Art and sacred history

San Gimignano Cathedral houses masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art. The Rocca di Montestaffoli is a fortress built in the 14th century. The Spezieria di Santa Fina provides another historical point of interest: in 1253, it was incorporated into the Spedale Santa Fina, which had been founded in the mid-13th century. The small Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte is a Romanesque church from the 13th century and was probably built on the remains of an older church.

In the same church, an extensive cycle of frescoes depicts Hell, Purgatory and Paradise; Cenni di Francesco painted it at the beginning of the second decade of the 15th century. In one fresco, the face of the Madonna and Child in Glory was painted during Simone Martini’s youth. The Museo d’Arte Sacra di San Gimignano is located in the former chaplains’ dormitory and displays paintings, sculptures, bas-reliefs, illuminated manuscripts, textiles and silverwork from churches and monasteries in the surrounding area. It includes Bartolo di Fredi’s Madonna della Rosa, which is considered one of the Sienese painter’s most refined works. The Musei Civici present history from Etruscan finds to contemporary art. The Museo Archeologico e della Via Francigena also includes a section on the medieval production of glass and ceramics.

The Via Francigena and wine in San Gimignano

The Via Francigena passes through the town, and Stage 31 ends in the historic centre. At the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience – La Rocca, wine tastings are available by prior reservation with the assistance of experienced sommeliers. For arriving by car, the car parks to the north and south of the town make access easier for visitors.

Further destinations: Ulignano and Montauto.

For the higher-level travel overview: Siena.

Further destinations

Other places under the same destination:

Castiglione D'orcia, Isola D'arbia, San Casciano Dei Bagni, Montegabbro, Montalcino, Poggibonsi.