San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most popular hill towns, is known for its 14 surviving medieval towers. Rising above the town, the towers create a stunning skyline as you approach. San Gimignano’s historic center is one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
What to See and Do in San Gimignano
The small hill town once had 72 towers, built by rich families in the middle ages. Torre Grossa, the tallest of the surviving towers, was built in 1298 and is 177 feet tall. Climb the stone staircase to the top for countryside views.
Palazza del Podesta, the ancient town hall, sports another of the tallest towers, Torre della Rognosa.
La Collegiata, the duomo or cathedral, is in Piazza del Duomo, where there are also 7 towers. Built in the 11th century, La Collegiata’s walls and ceilings are covered with 14th century frescoes. Sant’Agostino, a small 13th century church, is also worth visiting for its frescoes.
Piazza Cisterna has an ancient well in its center and there’s an award-winning gelato shop on the square. For those who prefer wine, there are several places in town to taste Vernaccia, the white wine produced in the area. There are plenty of good places to eat in town, too.
Palazzo del Popolo Civic Museum houses art works and frescoes. The Archaeology Museum has a good collection of Etruscan artifacts. The Museum of Sacred Art displays religious art works, including 14th century illuminated manuscripts. And of course there’s the touristy Torture Museum, Museo della Tortura.
Walk up the hill to see the ruins of the 14th century rocca, or fortress, and great views of the towers.
Plan Your Visit to San Gimignano
To get to San Gimignano from Siena or Florence, take the train or a bus to Poggibonsi. See Florence to San Gimignano bus schedule. From the train station it’s a 20 minute bus ride to the center of town. Traffic is restricted in the center but there are parking lots around the outside. While its often visited as a day trip from Siena or Florence, it’s more pleasant in the evening when the tour groups have left.
Where to Stay in San Gimignano:
- We stayed at Hotel Sovestro in the countryside just outside town. There’s a very good restaurant and a nice panoramic walk into San Gimignano taking about half an hour.
- Hotel Bel Soggiorno is right in the historic center, near the main entrance, and has a good restaurant with beautiful views of the countryside.
- Hotel L’Antico Pozzo is a charming, historical hotel in a 15th century building with unique rooms.
- Read more about San Gimignano’s towers
San Gimignano Map
Tuscany Travel
- See our Tuscany hill towns map and guide for San Gimignano’s location and more hill towns to visit.
- Plan your Tuscany hill towns road trip if you’re renting a car.
- Recommended books about Tuscany:
Tuscany, Italy: Small-town Itineraries for the Foodie Traveler
Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany
Books about Living in Tuscany and Umbria
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