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Historic neighborhood · San Gimignano, Toscana
Centro storico di San Gimignano
The medieval village within the walls, with stone streets, palaces and about fourteen towers. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro storico di San Gimignano
San Gimignano grew in the Middle Ages as a stop on the Via Francigena, the pilgrims' road between northern Europe and Rome. The saffron and cloth trade enriched the local families, who erected ever-taller towers as a symbol of power. Of the dozens built, about fourteen survived and give the village the profile seen from the road.
The plague of 1348 and submission to Florence halted that growth, and the village was virtually frozen in time. For this reason the historic centre, the centro storico, preserved the walls, the gates, the palaces and the towers, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.
Two streets cross the village: Via San Giovanni, which climbs from the gate of the same name to the central squares, and Via San Matteo, which leads to the northern gate. At the highest point is the Rocca di Montestaffoli, a 14th-century fortress now turned into a garden, with views over the vineyards and hills.
Around the village Vernaccia di San Gimignano is produced, a white wine that in 1966 was the first in Italy to receive the controlled designation of origin. It is served in the enoteche and restaurants of the centre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours to stroll the streets, the squares and the Rocca. A full day for the museums.
Best time
Early morning and late afternoon, outside the tour-bus hours. From June to August midday is hot and crowded.
How to get there
The bus from Poggibonsi and Siena stops at Porta San Giovanni, at the southern entrance. Those arriving by car leave their vehicle in the numbered parking lots outside the walls.
Tip
Leave the two main streets: the side alleys and the path along the walls are much quieter. The Rocca di Montestaffoli has free admission and one of the best views of the village.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro storico di San Gimignano
Why does San Gimignano have so many towers?
In the Middle Ages wealthy families built towers as signs of power and wealth, competing to see which would be the tallest. Around fourteen still stand.
What is Vernaccia di San Gimignano?
It is the white wine produced in the vineyards around the town. It was the first Italian wine to receive the controlled designation of origin in 1966.
Where is the best view of the town?
From the Rocca di Montestaffoli, the old fortress at the highest point of the center, and from the top of the Torre Grossa at the Musei Civici.
Do you have to pay to enter the town?
No. Walking through the streets and squares is free. Museums, the Torre Grossa and the Collegiata charge admission.