San Gimignano

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill-top town, about a 35 minute drive north-west of Siena, mainly famous for its medieval architecture.

Rich families competed in the erection of high towers, that served as lodgings, fortresses and prestige symbols. The town, also known for the white wine grown in the area, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

spazio
spazio

Info

Altitude: 324 m a.s.l -- Population: about 7,000 inhabitants -- Zip/postal code: 53037 -- Phone Area Code: 0577 -- Patron Saint: San Geminiano celebrated on 31st January; Santa Fina celebrated on 12 March -- Frazioni & Localities: Badia a Elmi, Casaglia, Castel San Gimignano, Foci, Larniano, Montauto, Monteoliveto, Pancole, San Benedetto, San Donato, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Ulignano.

What to see

The Torture museum, with a display of instruments and devices for torture in various times and places, complete with multi-lingual descriptions of their use
The church of Sant'Agostino.
The historical centre where 50 medieval towers of varying height are still preserved, while the modern town has extended some kilometres out.