San  Gemini​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in San Gemini
San Gemini has a small but well-regarded selection of hotels, reflecting its appeal as a historic hill town known for its thermal springs and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation is generally praised for comfort, character and service.
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Hotel Duomo San Gemini stands out for its elegant rooms, historic setting and good reviews for both comfort and location within the town (€€€). Torre Palombara – Dimora Storica is set just outside San Gemini in a restored 16th-century residence, offering refined rooms, a pool and strong guest feedback for its peaceful setting and hospitality (€€€). For a countryside option nearby, Locanda di Carsulae provides modern rooms, a restaurant and good reviews from visitors exploring the archaeological site of Carsulae (€€).

Where is

Where is San Gemini?
The town of San Gemini is situated within the Province of Terni and has a population of around 4,500 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 345 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Terni, Acquasparta, Marmore Falls, Lake Piediluco and Narni. ​
Comune di San Gemini
​​Province: Terni

​Region: Umbria

Population: 4,691 (in 2024 - source)

​​Size: 28 km²

Elevation: 345 metres

​Close by: Terni, Acquasparta, Marmore Waterfalls, Lake Piediluco

Recommended accommodation: Vallantica Resort & SPA
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Elogio della Vita Lenta (Eulogy of the Slow Life)

What People Ask About San Gemini, Umbria

Is San Gemini worth visiting?
Yes, San Gemini is worth visiting for its well-preserved medieval centre, quiet piazzas, and historic churches. It is also known for its mineral springs and traditional Umbrian atmosphere.
How do I get to San Gemini?
San Gemini is about 15 kilometres from Terni and can be reached by car via the E45. The nearest train station is in Terni, with regional connections to Rome, Florence, and Perugia, from where buses or taxis reach San Gemini.
What are the main attractions in San Gemini?
Main sights include the Church of San Gemini, the Abbey of San Nicolò, and the medieval town gates. The nearby Carsulae archaeological site, with Roman ruins, is also closely associated with San Gemini.
Why is San Gemini known for mineral water?
San Gemini is famous for its natural mineral springs, which have been bottled and sold across Italy for decades. The water is celebrated for its purity and is a defining feature of the town’s identity.
What food is typical of San Gemini?
Local dishes feature Umbrian specialities such as handmade strangozzi pasta, lentils, truffles, and roasted meats. Olive oil and wines from the surrounding hills also play an important role in the cuisine.
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Discover

Discover San Gemini
Surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, San Gemini is a well-preserved medieval town in southern Umbria, known for its historic charm and natural springs. The old centre is enclosed within ancient walls and marked by stone buildings, narrow streets, and elegant piazzas, creating a peaceful setting typical of Umbrian hill towns. Its elevated position offers views across the Tiber Valley, while the nearby countryside is dotted with vineyards and cypress-lined roads.
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Notable landmarks include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Romanesque Church of San Nicolò, and remnants of the medieval towers that once defended the settlement. San Gemini is also famous for its mineral waters, long bottled and distributed throughout Italy. Nearby, the archaeological site of Carsulae preserves the remains of an ancient Roman city, linking the town’s modern identity with its classical past. Located a short distance from Terni and the Cascata delle Marmore, it forms part of a scenic and culturally rich corner of southern Umbria.

Things to Do

Things to Do in San Gemini
  • Centro Storico di San Gemini rests gracefully on low hills near Terni, its streets winding among stone houses, medieval arches, and elegant Renaissance façades. The town radiates a refined yet tranquil Umbrian charm, with terracotta rooftops, quiet courtyards, and winding lanes that reveal glimpses of distant valleys and green slopes. Small piazzas open onto views of historic towers and noble palaces. Walking through San Gemini offers a gentle journey into a place where history, art, and wellbeing blend seamlessly.
  • Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista stands as one of San Gemini’s most important spiritual landmarks, its Romanesque façade simple yet dignified. Inside, visitors discover a striking baptistery, sacred artworks, and elegant architectural details reflecting centuries of devotion. The church has long been central to religious life and village festivals. It remains a cherished symbol of San Gemini’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
  • Palazzo Vecchio rises near the centre of town, once the seat of civic power during medieval and Renaissance times. Its stone façade, elegant arches, and carved coats of arms speak of San Gemini’s importance in regional politics and trade. The palazzo occasionally hosts exhibitions and cultural events. It stands as a quiet yet significant monument to the town’s proud civic past.
  • Piazza San Francesco serves as San Gemini’s vibrant heart, surrounded by historic buildings, small cafés, and artisan shops. The square hosts markets, concerts, and the famous Giostra dell’Arme, a medieval jousting tournament held each autumn. Cobblestones underfoot and glimpses of medieval towers create an atmosphere of understated elegance. It’s the perfect place to pause and savour the refined yet lively spirit of San Gemini.
  • Guided historical and thermal tours in San Gemini take visitors through medieval streets, Roman ruins, and the nearby ancient thermal springs for which the town has long been famous. Local guides share stories of noble families, architectural treasures, and San Gemini’s role in the production of prized mineral water. Tours often include tastings of local specialities such as truffle dishes, cured meats, and Umbrian wines. Exploring with a guide reveals San Gemini’s unique blend of historical richness, artistic beauty, and wellbeing traditions.

Tours and Activities

San Gemini Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
​
1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to San Gemini
By Rail: The nearest train station to San Gemini is in Terni, approximately 10 kilometres away. The station lies on the Rome–Ancona line operated by Trenitalia, offering regional and intercity services to Spoleto in about 25 minutes, Foligno in roughly 45 minutes, and Rome in around 1 hour. From Terni, local buses and taxis connect to San Gemini.

By Road: San Gemini is situated in southern Umbria, within the province of Terni. From Terni, the drive takes around 15 minutes via the SS3. From Perugia, it is about 85 kilometres and roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes by car via the E45. There are convenient car parks near the entrance to the historic centre, allowing easy pedestrian access.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Approximately 85 kilometres from San Gemini, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the E45. It is the nearest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European flights.
  • Rome Ciampino Airport: Located roughly 115 kilometres south, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A1 motorway. Ideal for visitors arriving on low-cost or regional flights.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: About 135 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes via the A1 motorway. The main international hub with the widest range of flight connections.

Private Transfers

San Gemini Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a simple and comfortable way to reach San Gemini or continue your journey from the town to other destinations across Umbria and central Italy. You’ll be collected directly from your accommodation or chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey without the need for public transport or car hire.

Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, as well as Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampino Airport, all offering convenient access for both arrivals and departures. The drive from Perugia Airport to San Gemini takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, while transfers from Rome’s airports generally take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Terni, Spoleto, Amelia, and Narni, or to other destinations throughout southern Umbria.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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