San Gimignano: Tuscan’s medieval Manhattan

Saachi Dhillon

Nestled among high walls, the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano is a traveller’s delight. As soon as you set foot inside one of its ancient gates, it feels as if you have stepped back in time. 

The first settlements in San Gimignano date back to the Etruscan period. The town was mainly developed in the first three centuries of the millennium. Known for its Romanesque and gothic-style towers, originally San Gimignano had 72 towers. Today, only 14 remain.

Upon entering the town from Viale Roma, there’s a narrow cobblestone pathway lined with souvenir shops and eateries on either side. A torture museum is located nearby. It is an interesting place to visit but only if you have time on your hand. On a day-trip, it is best to spend your time soaking in the feudal atmosphere in this pedestrian-friendly town. As you walk through the narrow alleys, you will find cosy B&Bs and hotels across the quaint town with bright flowers adorning their stone wall entrances.

Punto Panoramico offers spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside. A bird’s eye view of green hills, vineyards and faraway castles can be enjoyed from here. A short walk away is the town centre, a Unesco World Heritage site. A lovely stone well is located in the centre of Piazza della Cisterna, providing a perfect backdrop for those Instagram photos. Close by is Piazza del Duomo, which houses the Parish church of San Gimignano consecrated by Pope Eugenio III in 1148 AD. Its walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes by famous artists from the 14th century. 

A trip to San Gimignano is incomplete without climbing atop one of its towers. Torre Grossa (or big tower) is the highest here. As visitors walk up the 214 steep steps, a video explains the functioning of the bell tower. On a cloudy day, winds can be fierce on the top. However, the climb is worth the breathtakingly beautiful and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside. 

The small town, full of piazzas and towers, lays out like a carpet underneath. After the hard climb, visitors can recover their breath with hot cappuccinos and panforte (a traditional dessert containing fruits and nuts) and savour the experience.

Quick facts

• Many tour operators in Florence offer a day trip for approximately €60 per person. Tourists can visit San Gimignano on their own as well, as many trains and buses ply regularly to Poggibonsi from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence. There are buses every half an hour from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano. The views from the bus are amazing.
• San Gimignano is 56 km away from Florence. A quick day trip is enough to explore this gothic town.