Top 5 Attractions in San Gimignano

Uncover the highlights of what to do in San Gimignano!

A visit to San Gimignano will have you feeling as if you stepped back into mediaeval times. This historic town can be found nestled atop a hill and is complete with museums and charming cobblestone streets. You’ll definitely want to take a day trip to San Gimignano if you’re visiting Tuscany.

What is there to do in San Gimignano? Let’s find out!

  1. The Historic Centre

The historic centre of San Gimignano is m    ade up of several piazzas and has been honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a stroll through the town centre, you’ll find quaint cafes, museums, and boutique shops.

The Piazza della Cisterna is a spacious square that holds a large well, surrounded by restaurants and shops. The Piazza del Duomo is another spacious plaza that offers amazing views of the famous San Gimignano Cathedral.

  1. Duomo di San Gimignano

The Duomo di San Gimignano is part of the San Gimignano Cathedral and is located in the Piazza del Duomo. Dating back to the 1100s, this stunning church is known for its colourful frescoes. You can find scenes from various important times in history including the Last Judgement and the Annunciation.

These floor to ceiling works of art are well worth the visit when in San Gimignano!

  1. Palazzo del Popolo (Town Hall)

The town hall is another top attraction of San Gimignano. The large complex was built in the late 1200s, and was expanded when it became a prominent government building in the 1300s. There is much more to this building than meets the eye.

You can enter the Palazzo del Popolo and explore the Civic Museum. There’s a room in the museum called the Sala di Dante, which holds a stunning fresco. There is also an art gallery called the Pinacoteca, which features artwork from Sienese and Florentine artists. The main masterpiece is from the 1500s and was created by Pinturicchio. There is also an outdoor courtyard that holds even more beautiful frescoes.

  1. Porta San Giovanni

If you have visited other towns in the hills of Tuscany, you have probably noticed that many of them are surrounded by mediaeval walls. The Porta San Giovanni is the main entrance to the town of San Gimignano. You’ll find this gate at the southern corner of the town.

If you take a stroll along the historic wall, you’ll come across other gates. Porta San Matteo is located at the northwest corner of the town. Porta S. Jacopo is another gate, located at the northeast end of town.

  1. Torre Grossa

The Torre Grossa is the largest tower in San Gimignano. Out of the 14 towers dotting the town, this one is the highest at 54 metres tall.

Visitors can climb to the top of the tower, but it takes a little bit of work. There are 200 steps up a spiral staircase. Then you will have to climb up a ladder to reach the rooftop. However, once you reach the top of the tower, you’ll find that the effort was well worth it. This is where you’ll find some of the best views of the region of Tuscany!

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