Location: San Gimignano
Top Things to do in San Gimignano
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in San Gimignano That You Shouldn't Miss
San Gimignano, known as the "city of beautiful towers," had 72 towers in its heyday. Now 14 remain, and, rising above Tuscany's Elsa Valley, they make the town look like a medieval dreamscape. Take in the fresco-covered Collegiate Church, the Civic Museum and the views from atop 177-foot Torre Grossa. Daytrippers from Florence tend to fill up the streets during the day, so for a more up-close-and-personal look at the town, spend the night.
Restaurants in San Gimignano
1. Piazza della Cisterna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,525 reviews
San Gimignano's main square has the town's 13th-century cistern, or well, in the center surrounded by some of the town's majestic towers.
Reviewed By amysun2016 - Fairfield, United States
This town gets a lot of good press and vibe, it’s very crowded compare to some of “sleepy” medieval towns nearby. They all are very similar to me, relatively. Definitely a fun place to visit as there are good crowds, restaurants, and the vibe is good.
2. Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta - Duomo di San Gimignano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
Reviewed By K7787FEbrunol - Singapore, Singapore
Definitely one of the highlights of San Gimignano. Painted walls are just extraordinary and you can spend quite a while paying attention to all the details - special mention for the Hell one...
3. San Gimignano Bell Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,386 reviews
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
San Gimignano Bell Tower is the highest tower in this great medieval town, located in Tuscany Region. It is located in the center of the old town, close to Piazza dei Duomo (Cathedral Square). In fact you can see it from the old town or from far of the town on road, because is the highest tower. We visited it in August-2019 with my 3 years old daughter. We go up and see the some expositions about the history of the tower and the town. It is very interesting and also there is some videos to learn a lot. When you arrive at top, you can see wonderful views of the old town and surroundings. Really incredible! Also my daughter enjoyed a lot with go up and down stairs and seeing views, so a very recommendable visit! Top in Tuscany and in Europe!
4. Pieve di Cellole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Anp2012 - Etoy, Switzerland
I was pleasantly surprised bu the number of young people walking the via francigena. It was peaceful and serene and everyone respects the quiet that that surrounding nature inspires. Absolutely beautiful to walk among the vineyards, olive trees, thick wooded areas and paths.
5. Historic Centre of San Gimignano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,347 reviews
Reviewed By radostinas527
Visiting the historic center is a must - it will take you back in time and you will feel the authenticity of this beautiful town. The view is picturesque and the towers are magnificent. Pizza in one of the small restaurants and ice cream at the plaza will make your day very special! There are many shops where you can buy souvenirs, leather, delicious pastry and unique coffee.
6. Piazza del Duomo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
Piazza del Duomo is a city square in beautiful San Gimignano. Today the Piazza Duomo is still the heart of San Gimignano, just as it was the centre of political and religious life in the Middle Ages. If the Duomo is the religious symbol of San Gimignano, the Palazzo del Popolo represents his civic symbol. Together, a few meters from each other, they form the unique architectural group of the Cathedral Square. The most imposing building is the Collegiata, it is at the centre, overpowering the piazza with its bulk as it sits on high atop a stairway. Exactly opposite is the Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà with the Torre Rognosa and the Torre Chigi alongside. The Collegiata, also know as the Duomo, gives its name to the piazza and has been there since the 11th century. In the first half of the 13th century, during the period of greatest economic prosperity, the piazza assumed the appearance it still has today. The main public buildings were built here, and the façade of the Duomo was rotated to face the Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà. It is a brick, trapezoid-shaped space with a slight slope, adding to the wonder of those who upon entering find themselves all of a sudden at the centre of the Middle Ages. Three important medieval buildings face one another here: On the north side, projecting up into the sky, are the Torri Gemelle dei Salvucci. On the opposite side is the Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà with the Loggia del Comune. Beside it is the massive Torre Grossa.
7. Torre Chigi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Chigi Tower is one of the fourteen historic towers of San Gimignano and is located in Piazza del Duomo. The tower, although not very high, is one of the most beautiful city. It was built in 1280 and belonged to both the Useppi and Chigi family. The first three floors are covered with stone, well squared cut drafts, which open on the lights with low arches. On the first floor there is a typical portal which is accessed by stairs, the legacy of the struggles of the times of medieval towns, when they preferred to sleep secure building access by withdrawing the first floor stairs at night. On the second floor window is a narrow elongated slot with a bow resting on shelves. The top is covered with bricks instead of two single windows on the same first two floors, while the latter has no openings. It is the height of each floor are aligned trampling of neat rows of four scaffolding holes each, equipped with shelves, which look like wooden balconies that once had to increase the surface Arrange. The tower is flanked by medieval buildings: one to the left of particular value for the valuable presence of mullioned windows with nice workmanship.
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
Not the highest of the remaining fourteen towers in the city, this one is probably the most picturesque. It is located in Piazza del Duomo, built in 1280 and belonged to families Useppi and Chigi. Another fine example of the medieval architecture in a city famous for its medieval atmosphere and spirit.
8. Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By alexineberry - Clitheroe, United Kingdom
Visit as part of the Biglietto Unico, on the edge of town. Not much visited, shame as the 15th century frescos are fine, especially the last judgement.
9. Porta San Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By romanshorner - Munich, Germany
It is an imposing old city gate, like in the past a lot of cities had. It is the southern entrance to the historic old city centre of San Gimignano. Due to the fate of the city, it is preserved like the whole structure of the city. It is in a good shape of conservertion.
