San Gimignano Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic hill town in Tuscany
Table of Contents
San Gimignano
⭐ Ranked #45 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 25 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The hill town of San Gimignano is situated within the Province of Siena, a distance of 53 kilometres south-west of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany.
Surrounded by the undulating valleys of the bucolic Val d'Elsa, San Gimignano is the dictionary definition of a Tuscan hill town with its historic medieval streets interrupted by pretty piazzas and glorious Renaissance buildings. The town was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1990 and described under its epithet San Gimignano delle Belle Torri. |
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San Gimignano: the Medieval Manhattan
The sobriquet is in reference to the town's proliferation of towers which has seen it dubbed the Medieval Manhattan. When visiting the town these days the visual impact of the 14 existing towers is powerful enough but there were at one stage more than 70 of them in what must have been an astonishing sight.
The towers had a very basic purpose, to show the wealth of the families that built them and the taller the better with the feuding Ardinghelli and Salvucci the main protagonists of this architectural endeavour
The sobriquet is in reference to the town's proliferation of towers which has seen it dubbed the Medieval Manhattan. When visiting the town these days the visual impact of the 14 existing towers is powerful enough but there were at one stage more than 70 of them in what must have been an astonishing sight.
The towers had a very basic purpose, to show the wealth of the families that built them and the taller the better with the feuding Ardinghelli and Salvucci the main protagonists of this architectural endeavour
Planning your visit to San Gimignano
Blessed as it is with many great attributes, San Gimignano cannot name a train station among them. There are local buses available which will take you to Siena in around an hour and a quarter but a car is certainly such more advantageous.
It's important to allow sufficient time to visit the town as well; it's small but it's not one of those towns where you can just amble around for a few hours before leaving and manage to see everything. In order to do it justice it really requires a whole day. It's also much better to visit outside of the really busy months of summer when it attracts its greatest number of visitors.
Blessed as it is with many great attributes, San Gimignano cannot name a train station among them. There are local buses available which will take you to Siena in around an hour and a quarter but a car is certainly such more advantageous.
It's important to allow sufficient time to visit the town as well; it's small but it's not one of those towns where you can just amble around for a few hours before leaving and manage to see everything. In order to do it justice it really requires a whole day. It's also much better to visit outside of the really busy months of summer when it attracts its greatest number of visitors.
History of San Gimignano
San Gimignano's origins can be traced back to the time of the Etruscans and there's a greater body of archaeological evidence from the later period of the Romans. The town took its name in 450 AD when the Bishop of Modena, Saint Gimignano is reported to have saved the area from the marauding Attila the Hun.
It was the Renaissance period that marked the greatest entry back to life for the town which profited from its close proximity to the Via Francigena. Pilgrims used San Gimignano as an important staging post along their way and this helped to establish the town's initial prosperity before it all came apart at the seams with the Black Death in 1348. The disease had a disastrous effect on the town's economy and its population dwindled thereafter until it came under the rule of Florence in 1353.
San Gimignano's origins can be traced back to the time of the Etruscans and there's a greater body of archaeological evidence from the later period of the Romans. The town took its name in 450 AD when the Bishop of Modena, Saint Gimignano is reported to have saved the area from the marauding Attila the Hun.
It was the Renaissance period that marked the greatest entry back to life for the town which profited from its close proximity to the Via Francigena. Pilgrims used San Gimignano as an important staging post along their way and this helped to establish the town's initial prosperity before it all came apart at the seams with the Black Death in 1348. The disease had a disastrous effect on the town's economy and its population dwindled thereafter until it came under the rule of Florence in 1353.
Sightseeing San Gimignano
The town's charm, its location in the stunning countryside and the UNESCO listing are among the many attributes that make San Gimignano one of Tuscany's foremost visitor attractions. Tourism is booming here and during the summers it's not quite the quiet little Tuscan town you might have been expecting, or probably hoping to find.
That said, the larger crowds are understandable considering the wealth of sights within the relatively cramped environs of the town. Away from the summer months there's certainly more of that gentle sleepiness and more space to enjoy the museums and churches.
The town's charm, its location in the stunning countryside and the UNESCO listing are among the many attributes that make San Gimignano one of Tuscany's foremost visitor attractions. Tourism is booming here and during the summers it's not quite the quiet little Tuscan town you might have been expecting, or probably hoping to find.
That said, the larger crowds are understandable considering the wealth of sights within the relatively cramped environs of the town. Away from the summer months there's certainly more of that gentle sleepiness and more space to enjoy the museums and churches.
Around Piazza della Cisterna
Standing at the very centre of life in San Gimignano is the medieval square: Piazza della Cisterna, so-named after an historic well at its centre. The Piazza is of a triangular shape and from here you can easily navigate your way to the main sights around the town with a short walk. The first towers were built in San Gimignano in the 12th century and you can see some of the remaining 14 (there were originally 72) from the centre of the square.
The Torre del Diavolo springs from the north-east corner of the piazza and is named after the devil because its owner swore blind that it had grown of its own accord one day which could only have been the devil's work. On the western edge of the square are the twin towers of the Ardinghelli family; one of the two famous families that used to vie for supremacy in the town.
Standing at the very centre of life in San Gimignano is the medieval square: Piazza della Cisterna, so-named after an historic well at its centre. The Piazza is of a triangular shape and from here you can easily navigate your way to the main sights around the town with a short walk. The first towers were built in San Gimignano in the 12th century and you can see some of the remaining 14 (there were originally 72) from the centre of the square.
The Torre del Diavolo springs from the north-east corner of the piazza and is named after the devil because its owner swore blind that it had grown of its own accord one day which could only have been the devil's work. On the western edge of the square are the twin towers of the Ardinghelli family; one of the two famous families that used to vie for supremacy in the town.
Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza del Duomo
The Ardinghelli's main rivals were the Salvucci whose lust for supremacy determined that they should build their towers a bit higher and this they amply achieved on the nearby square of Piazza delle Erbe.
The Torri Salvucci tower above the majority of medieval buildings in the square but are dwarfed by the 52 metre high Torre della Rognosa which protrudes from the Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà on the adjacent Piazza del Duomo. The two squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza del Duomo are almost one and the same but separated by a narrow walkway to the right of the town's main religious building.
The Ardinghelli's main rivals were the Salvucci whose lust for supremacy determined that they should build their towers a bit higher and this they amply achieved on the nearby square of Piazza delle Erbe.
The Torri Salvucci tower above the majority of medieval buildings in the square but are dwarfed by the 52 metre high Torre della Rognosa which protrudes from the Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà on the adjacent Piazza del Duomo. The two squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza del Duomo are almost one and the same but separated by a narrow walkway to the right of the town's main religious building.
San Gimignano's Most Famous Religious Building: the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta
The Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta is San Gimignano's cathedral, originally built in the 10th century. In a similar way as it's wrong to judge a book by its cover, it's equally presumptuous to assume La Collegiata's understated facade conceals more of the same.
Step inside and you will be hit by the power of the vivid frescoes adorning the walls. Highlights within the Basilica complex include a series of 14th century frescoes by Ghirlandaio in the beautiful Cappella di Santa Fina.
The Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta is San Gimignano's cathedral, originally built in the 10th century. In a similar way as it's wrong to judge a book by its cover, it's equally presumptuous to assume La Collegiata's understated facade conceals more of the same.
Step inside and you will be hit by the power of the vivid frescoes adorning the walls. Highlights within the Basilica complex include a series of 14th century frescoes by Ghirlandaio in the beautiful Cappella di Santa Fina.
Palazzo Comunale
Piazza Duomo boasts not only the wonderful Collegiata but also the Palazzo Comunale, home of the town's local governmental administration. Also known as the Palazzo del Popolo, the 13th century edifice rises higher than any other building in San Gimignano with its 54 metre high Torre Grossa.
The tower was completed in 1311 and reached the maximum height that had been permitted by the local authorities. You can climb the tower to get the very best views of the town and the local area or explore the internal areas of the Palazzo building which houses numerous museums.
Piazza Duomo boasts not only the wonderful Collegiata but also the Palazzo Comunale, home of the town's local governmental administration. Also known as the Palazzo del Popolo, the 13th century edifice rises higher than any other building in San Gimignano with its 54 metre high Torre Grossa.
The tower was completed in 1311 and reached the maximum height that had been permitted by the local authorities. You can climb the tower to get the very best views of the town and the local area or explore the internal areas of the Palazzo building which houses numerous museums.
Rocca di Montestafoli
From the top of the Torre Grossa you'll have spotted the area at the western edge of the town centre: the fortress known as the Rocca di Montestaffoli was built in 1353 on the order of the incoming Florentine rulers as a way of keeping their newly-acquired citizens in check.
The hillside fortress is surrounded by a garden and offers an alternative set of panoramic views for anyone who may wish to avoid climbing the tower. There are in fact several panoramic viewpoints around the town with a notable one to the south of Piazza della Cisterna.
From the top of the Torre Grossa you'll have spotted the area at the western edge of the town centre: the fortress known as the Rocca di Montestaffoli was built in 1353 on the order of the incoming Florentine rulers as a way of keeping their newly-acquired citizens in check.
The hillside fortress is surrounded by a garden and offers an alternative set of panoramic views for anyone who may wish to avoid climbing the tower. There are in fact several panoramic viewpoints around the town with a notable one to the south of Piazza della Cisterna.
More key sights in the Centro Storico
San Gimignano is listed not only by UNESCO but also by two Italian tourism associations: Touring Club Italia have it as one of their Bandiera Arancione/Orange Flag towns and it's also included in the list of borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). It has rather outgrown the "village" tag and there's still a good deal more to see.
A short walk east of Piazza della Cisterna on Via del Castello brings you to the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte, built in 1240 and famous for its 15th century frescoes. There are further wonderful frescoes to be found north of the main piazza by heading up Via San Matteo to Piazza Sant'Agostino. The Convento di Sant'Agostino lies at the quieter, northern end of the town centre and houses the Cappella di San Bartolo.
San Gimignano is listed not only by UNESCO but also by two Italian tourism associations: Touring Club Italia have it as one of their Bandiera Arancione/Orange Flag towns and it's also included in the list of borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). It has rather outgrown the "village" tag and there's still a good deal more to see.
A short walk east of Piazza della Cisterna on Via del Castello brings you to the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Ponte, built in 1240 and famous for its 15th century frescoes. There are further wonderful frescoes to be found north of the main piazza by heading up Via San Matteo to Piazza Sant'Agostino. The Convento di Sant'Agostino lies at the quieter, northern end of the town centre and houses the Cappella di San Bartolo.
San Gimignano's City Gates and Defensive Wall
A system of defensive walls surrounds the town and you can get a better idea of how it looked from the city gates such as Porta San Matteo which lies a short walk west of Piazza Sant'Agostino. Next to the city gate you'll see signs for the Passeggiata della Mura which is a walking trail alongside the walls.
One of the main entry points to the town is via another city gate: Porta San Giovanni which lies at the southern end of San Gimignano. If you enter the town at this point you can walk up the narrow street of Via San Giovanni and find a former church on the right hand side: the Chiesa di San Francesco which is now a shop selling the local wine: Vernaccia. At the back of the shop is a small garden from where you can get some more great views of the local landscape. The wine is an important part of the town's culture and it's sold in numerous outlets around the medieval streets with mist vendors encouraging you to try some before you buy.
A system of defensive walls surrounds the town and you can get a better idea of how it looked from the city gates such as Porta San Matteo which lies a short walk west of Piazza Sant'Agostino. Next to the city gate you'll see signs for the Passeggiata della Mura which is a walking trail alongside the walls.
One of the main entry points to the town is via another city gate: Porta San Giovanni which lies at the southern end of San Gimignano. If you enter the town at this point you can walk up the narrow street of Via San Giovanni and find a former church on the right hand side: the Chiesa di San Francesco which is now a shop selling the local wine: Vernaccia. At the back of the shop is a small garden from where you can get some more great views of the local landscape. The wine is an important part of the town's culture and it's sold in numerous outlets around the medieval streets with mist vendors encouraging you to try some before you buy.
Things to Do
Things to Do in San Gimignano
- Piazza della Cisterna is the main square in San Gimignano, surrounded by mediaeval houses and towers. A stone well sits at its centre, giving the piazza its name. The area is lined with cafés, shops and gelaterie, making it a popular meeting point. It connects to the nearby Piazza del Duomo via a narrow street.
- Torre Grossa is the tallest of San Gimignano’s remaining towers, standing at 54 metres. Built in the early 14th century, it offers panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. Visitors climb a series of staircases inside the Palazzo Comunale to reach the top. Entry includes access to the Civic Museum and frescoed council rooms.
- Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di San Gimignano) is the town’s main church, known for its cycle of frescoes covering both the Old and New Testament. The frescoes were painted by artists including Bartolo di Fredi and Taddeo di Bartolo. The chapel of Saint Fina, with works by Ghirlandaio, is a highlight. The interior has remained largely unchanged since the 13th century.
- Museo Civico e Pinacoteca is located within the Palazzo Comunale and houses paintings by Florentine and Sienese artists. Works by Filippino Lippi, Benozzo Gozzoli and Pinturicchio are among the main attractions. The museum also preserves frescoes and artefacts linked to the town’s history. Entry includes access to the Torre Grossa.
- Chiesa di Sant’Agostino is a 13th-century church located just outside the northern gate of the town centre. Its interior features a fresco cycle depicting the life of Saint Augustine by Benozzo Gozzoli. The church has a peaceful cloister and a simple Romanesque façade. It is still used for worship and small community events.
San Gimignano Tours and Activities
Comune di San Gimignano
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Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Population: 7,490 (in 2024 - source) Total size: 138 km² Elevation: 324 metres Highlights: Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, medieval towers Close by: Colle di Val d'Elsa, Certaldo, Volterra, Val d'Elsa |
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historic Centre of San Gimignano - Year: 1990 |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in San Gimignano
- Hotel La Collegiata Located just outside the historic centre, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the Tuscan countryside, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, excellent service, and the short drive to San Gimignano’s main attractions, including the famous medieval towers. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Il Vecchio Forno Situated near the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful environment, and the easy access to San Gimignano’s historical sites, including the Piazza del Duomo and the Torre Grossa. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Bel Soggiorno Set in a tranquil location with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms, a large garden, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, friendly service, and the short walk to San Gimignano’s cultural sites, including the San Gimignano 1300 Museum and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Il Castagnolino Located a short drive from San Gimignano, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the surrounding hills, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the rural setting, the authentic Tuscan experience, and the proximity to San Gimignano’s historic landmarks and nearby vineyards. €€ (mid-range)
- Relais Cappuccina Set just outside San Gimignano, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic views, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving high-quality Tuscan cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and the short drive to San Gimignano’s main attractions, including the medieval towers and the historic town centre. €€€ (high-end)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in San Gimignano
- Osteria del Carcere: Located in the heart of San Gimignano, Osteria del Carcere offers a traditional Tuscan dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes classic dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar, ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), and a variety of meats. The rustic atmosphere and attentive service make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Perché No!: Situated near the main square, Ristorante Perché No! is known for its refined approach to traditional Tuscan cuisine. The menu features dishes like risotto with truffle, grilled meats, and fresh pasta made with seasonal ingredients. The elegant interior and professional service make it an ideal choice for a special meal in San Gimignano. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Chiribiri: A charming family-run trattoria, Trattoria Chiribiri offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a focus on local flavours. Known for its delicious pasta dishes, such as ravioli with ricotta and spinach, and hearty meat options like roast lamb, the restaurant is a great place for an authentic Tuscan meal. The friendly service and simple decor add to its appeal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante La Mandragola: For a more sophisticated dining experience, Ristorante La Mandragola offers a contemporary twist on traditional Tuscan cuisine. The menu features creative dishes such as risotto with saffron, tenderloin with balsamic glaze, and a variety of vegetarian options. The modern decor and excellent wine list make it a great choice for a fine dining experience in San Gimignano. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante San Martino 26: Located just outside the main tourist areas, Ristorante San Martino 26 offers an intimate and quiet atmosphere with a menu focused on high-quality local ingredients. Known for its innovative approach to Tuscan cuisine, the menu includes dishes such as truffle risotto, roasted meats, and traditional desserts like cantucci with vin santo. The sophisticated setting and exceptional service make it a perfect choice for a memorable meal. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to San Gimignano
If you do have a car there's a great deal to explore in the local area: aside from simply driving around and enjoy the landscapes of the local valley areas, there are some smaller hill towns such as Certaldo which is directly to the north of San Gimignano and the home town of Renaissance poet Giovanni Boccaccio. In a direct line south east of San Gimignano are the hill towns of Colle di Val d'Elsa followed by Monteriggioni, two of the finest hill towns in Tuscany but both outdone by the next one beyond them which is Siena.
Heading west from San Gimignano is another of Tuscany's most famous towns: Volterra which is similar in scope, size and fascination. Car parking options in San Gimignano are good: at the southern end of the town there's a large car park with barriers where you pay at the end of your visit.
Heading west from San Gimignano is another of Tuscany's most famous towns: Volterra which is similar in scope, size and fascination. Car parking options in San Gimignano are good: at the southern end of the town there's a large car park with barriers where you pay at the end of your visit.
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to San Gimignano
By Rail: San Gimignano does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Poggibonsi, about 10 km away. From Poggibonsi, you can take a bus or taxi to San Gimignano, which takes about 20 minutes. Trains from major cities like Florence (around 1 hour 30 minutes) and Siena (about 30 minutes) connect to Poggibonsi.
By Road: San Gimignano is about 55 km from Florence, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour via the SR222 road, also known as the Chiantigiana. From Siena, it’s around 40 km, and the drive takes approximately 45 minutes. The town has several car parks available on the outskirts, with limited parking near the town centre due to its narrow streets.
Nearest International Airports:
The nearest international airport to San Gimignano is Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze Peretola), located about 60 km away. The drive takes around 1 hour. You can also take a bus or train to Florence and then use local transport to reach San Gimignano.
Another alternative is Pisa International Airport (Aeroporto Galileo Galilei), approximately 100 km from San Gimignano. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. From Pisa, you can take a train to Poggibonsi and then transfer to a bus or taxi to San Gimignano.
Additional Transport Options: There are local buses that run to San Gimignano from nearby towns such as Poggibonsi and Florence. These buses are a convenient option, especially for those visiting during the peak tourist season.
By Road: San Gimignano is about 55 km from Florence, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour via the SR222 road, also known as the Chiantigiana. From Siena, it’s around 40 km, and the drive takes approximately 45 minutes. The town has several car parks available on the outskirts, with limited parking near the town centre due to its narrow streets.
Nearest International Airports:
The nearest international airport to San Gimignano is Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze Peretola), located about 60 km away. The drive takes around 1 hour. You can also take a bus or train to Florence and then use local transport to reach San Gimignano.
Another alternative is Pisa International Airport (Aeroporto Galileo Galilei), approximately 100 km from San Gimignano. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. From Pisa, you can take a train to Poggibonsi and then transfer to a bus or taxi to San Gimignano.
Additional Transport Options: There are local buses that run to San Gimignano from nearby towns such as Poggibonsi and Florence. These buses are a convenient option, especially for those visiting during the peak tourist season.
