San Gimignano Travel Guide

San Gimignano Overview

The walled city of San Gimignano, Italy draws thousands of visitors annually with its medieval charm. It is normally visited as part of a trip to the nearby cities of Florence or Siena, yet it has enough attractions of its own to make it worthy of a visit in its own right. The focus of the town, Piazza del Duomo, sits at the heart of the action, and it is from here where visitors are advised to begin their explorations.

 
A highlight of the town is its ancient towers, only 14 of which remain. These can be learned of at the SanGimignano1300 museum, where a model of 13th century San Gimignano is on display. While missing the grand cathedrals of other Tuscan cities, San Gimignano offers the beautiful Collegiata with its splendid frescos. More frescos can be seen at the Church of Sant'Agostino.

Things to do in San Gimignano

San Gimignano Towers - See the town’s towers; San Gimignano’s main attraction is its 14 towers that were built and owned by the rich, and used as secure hiding places when the town got sacked.

 
San Gimignano Collegiate - Admire the Collegiata where impressive frescos of religious scenes are on display.
 
San Gimignano Rocca - Take in the views from Rocca,with a name that literally translates as ‘big rock’, this is the best spot from which to photograph the town from afar.
 
San Gimignano Shopping - Shop at the market for an authentic San Gimignano shopping experience, hit the town on a Thursday – market day.
 
Walking Tour San Gimignano - Go on a walking tour, departing once daily from Piazza del Duomo.

Hotels in San Gimignano

Budget Hotels San Gimignano

La Casa di Giovanna centrally located and close to the town’s main gate; room rate inclusive of breakfast. Tel (39) (577) 941232.
Hotel La Cisterna boasting terrace-facing rooms, buffet breakfast and rooftop restaurant. Tel (39) (577) 940328.
 
Mid-range Hotels San Gimignano
Hotel Sovestro family-run hotel in pretty setting with restaurant serving authentic Tuscan cuisine. Tel (39) (577) 943153.
Il Casale del Cotone charming bed and breakfast set amid vineyards and featuring well-maintained rooms with spacious bathrooms. Tel (39) (577) 943236.
 
Luxury Hotels San Gimignano
Relais Santa Chiara Hotel beautiful property complemented by attentive staff, clean rooms and an ideal location close to town. Tel (39) (577) 940701.
Hotel Villa San Paolo atmospheric villa with efficient yet unobtrusive service and a restaurant serving excellent food. Tel (39) (577) 955100.

San Gimignano Weather

San Gimignano Travel Resources

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This page was last modified on 22 May 2011 by Matt