Tuscany Holidays

San Gimignano @ Medieval Town of the Beautiful Towers

Of Etruscan origin, San Gimignano is a medieval town dressing atop a hill dominating the Val d`Elsa. Not only is San Gimignano renowned for the numerous works of art it houses, but for its towers as well, standing close to one another in the historical centre. Of the original 72 towers only 14 are to be seen today.

The town flourished in the 12th century thanks to the Via Francigena, which brought many travellers and peregrines to San Gimignano. Churches, shops and buildings soon developped along the ancient San Gimignano`s main street.

Piazza della Cisterna is the medieval centre of the town. The name of the square derives from the 13th-century cistern in its centre. The two Ardinghelli towers and the Torre del Diavolo (Devil`s Tower) overlook the square.

Piazza Duomo is another interesting place in San Gimignano. The Collegiata (the Cathedral) is a beautiful Romanesque church built in the 13th century on the ruins of the ancient Pieve. The Palazzo del Podestà faces the Museo Civico (Palazzo Pretorio), where precious 13th and 14th-century masterpieces by Sienese and Florentine artists are to be admired.

The Florentine built the imposing Rocca (fortress), with its pentagonal plan, around the half of the 14th century.